Liverpool 1 Manchester United 2

Wow, what an exhilarating game. I caught it at a pub in Ulu Sembawang, but what would you know, still populated by tons of Man U fans!

1. Yet again we didn't play very well, particularly in the first half, where I'd blame Nani for the poor overall display.
2. Nani was so bad that he was substituted at halftime with Scholes coming on. Only then was normal service resumed, even if Gerrard scored early in the 2nd half.
3. With Scholes around, I really wasn't very worried because our shape had returned. So grinding out a result would've been a matter of time. And grind we did!
4. Unfortunately I can't pinpoint many players who had an exceptional game. But next to Nani, starting the game with a midfield of Giggs and Carrick was abit suicidal considering their old legs. They weren't terrible, but there was hardly any control in the middle until Scholes came on and Giggs shifted to the left wing. Evra wasn't really up to scratch either, given the significance of this game.
5. Lindergaard had a really good game IMHO. He kept everything out except for Gerrard's goal and was confident in and around his area. Saved a couple of screamers too.
6. Rafael not only scored a wonder goal to equalize for us, he also put in a very good defensive shift. At this rate he's making the LB position his own.
7. Sadly, Kagawa and RVP didn't see much action especially when we struggled during the first half. Thankfully RVP shook of any nerves to score our first penalty out of four tries this season. Kagawa seems to get pushed around alot.
8. Our CDs both Evans and Ferdinand were absolutely rock solid even though there were nervy moments. You'd have to fear for them each time they went down clutching their backs though. It was already a surprise not seeing Vidic starting, so thankfully we pulled through, even if I think one or the other will miss the next game.
9. Credit where credit is due, Liverpool played this game like a Cup Final and were threatening to tear into us early on. Gerrard in particular was rolling back the years, pinging long passes like Scholes. Even after Jonjo Shelvey was red carded, they still played like they had 11 men out there. Although I've got to say that Luis Suarez is a total dick diver! Raheem Sterling is particularly impressive and he's only 17!
10. Given the significance of the game, Hillsborough, Evra and Suarez finally shaking hands, and the whole rivalry altogether, the game was only marred by perhaps a suspect performance by the referee. Still, I cannot complain since most of the decisions went our way!

And so onwards we march!

To #20 this season!

GGMU!!!