The title race opens up again.
Many wouldn't have believed. Until the very last minute, my eyes were transfixed on the television screen, hoping that Manutd could at least make the score difference a little smaller.
Yes, Nemanja Vidic getting sent off for dragging Gerrard down just outside the penalty box had a great impact on the team. Yes, it was a sacrifice for the team, as Gerrard would have an open shot on goal if Vidic couldn't stop( and he couldn't), and as the chinese would call it "牺牲小我,完成大我." But look. Despite his sacrifice, the team were still unable to prevent Liverpool from scoring another, how ironic. However, Vidic could have counted as having atoned for his previous blunder in letting Torres get the better of him when he misjudged the ball and let it bounce dangerously, which resulted in the first goal. Yes, it spelt the road to destruction for Manutd too.
Correct me if I am wrong, Evra conceded his first penalty for Manutd in this match. That was surprising, I don't think he would be a person to make such mistakes. The last 2 goals were unacceptable for me. Van Der Sar was at the wrong spot at the wrong time, not once, but twice. Such events are quite unfortunate, for there are a few reasons why Manutd could not reproduce their terrifying form against Premier League rivals Liverpool, thus opening up the title race once again.
Firstly, Liverpool had an extra 24hr rest after their Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Manchester United did not, the starting line up said it all and the players looked fatigued. Secondly, Manchester United were making some mistakes in defence, and allowed Liverpool to take the advantage, which they exploited with no mercy. On the contrary, Liverpool was tight in defence and did not make mistakes (other than Reina fumbling with goalie catches). Thirdly, Liverpool was passing the ball smoothly. Manchester United were not. They lost possession easily, thanks to fanciful flicks and backheels.
They should do better. This was really considered a classic match in this year's EPL season as I did not even realise that time was ticking by so quickly during the match. Liverpool did great, I must say. Manchester United did not have the best of matches today, but I commend their efforts to get back when they were 1-nil down at 2-1. But I would still recommend the players going for Ferguson's hair-dryer treatment again, this time to rid their complacency clean off their minds.