Manchester United won their sixth successive match, beating arch-rivals Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford. Goals from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin Van Persie meant three points for the hosts and a consolidated spot in 3rd place. None of United’s summer signings where in the starting line-up, so essentially, Louis Van Gaal had David Moyes’ squad from last campaign heading out of the tunnel. What a difference 9 months makes. Back in March, Liverpool outplayed and outclassed the Red Devils and recorded a 3-0 victory. But today, United were triumphant.
Source: manutd.com
Here are four talking points from the game:
David De Gea, Manchester United’s best and most important player
Is there anything this man cannot do? He was phenomenal, yet again and week in, week out he is showing us entirely that he deserves a new, improved and lucrative contract. And rightly so. He has earned all the plaudits and recognition for his performances that have seemingly saved United from the jaws of defeat. Today, his anticipation and reflexes were exceptional once again. He denied Raheem Sterling three times from close-range and was alert of every danger Liverpool posed. Too often, keepers have the tendency to punch the ball to safety or parry it away, but not De Gea. He was dominant in the air when defending set-pieces and almost always saved strikes comfortably. A far cry from the timid, young boy who came from Spain. He has a genuine presence nowadays. It won’t be long before he becomes the top keeper in world football.
Raheem Sterling is still a work in progress
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Raheem Sterling was selected to spearhead the Reds attack and in the opening stages he was pressing relentlessly and testing United’s shaky rear-guard with his pace, movement and direct running. However, he was made to rue his first missed opportunity in the 12th minute – a near-post effort that De Gea guided away with his legs – as 25 seconds later, United were ahead. He then had another clear-cut chance to find the net after Phil Jones’ back-pass gifted the ball straight into his path, but he lacked composure and shot into the legs of De Gea once again. Struggling to impose himself centrally, he floated out wide into his natural position but still couldn’t provide service for the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Steven Gerrard and Adam Lallana. He has now failed to score in a while for the Reds and he needs to find form quickly as the New Year approaches. He evidently isn’t the finished article yet and has to be more clinical in front of goal to improve his goal-scoring tally. But, he’s still a quality player.
Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia staking a claim for regular starting berths
Source: liverpoolfc.com
United took the lead courtesy of a routine counter-attack. Antonio Valencia created inroads on the right flank, simply eluding Joe Allen with a brilliant nutmeg before aiming a drilled cross at Rooney towards the centre. Unmarked around the edge of the area, Rooney finessed into the net past Brad Jones. That goal was the finest piece of wing-play from Valencia in a long time, taking on his man, beating him and not just drifting in a directionless delivery.
Ashley Young was also outstanding. He attacked with intent down the left hand side and was defensively sound. His catalogue of flicks, skills and tricks were on display and he looks a different player this season. His inch-perfect cross led to Mata heading home for United’s second, which ultimately established their influence on proceedings. Although, replays showed that Mata was clearly offside in the build-up, the ball having hit Van Persie’s head as it fell kindly to the Spaniard for an easy finish.
These two are wingers playing in unorthodox full-back roles and they have performed admirably as Rafael and Luke Shaw have been unavailable through injury. However, Van Gaal will now have a selection headache on his hands when the latter two come back to full fitness, as Valencia and Young are showing no signs of slowing down.
Daniel Sturridge needs to return fast, and resolve their striker situation
Source: liverpoolfc.com
The visitors started without a proper striker in the team, Raheem Sterling deployed in a central, advanced forward role. Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert were on the bench. The visitors created two great chances after the interval with the introduction of the Italian, but still, were futile in their attempts to beat the unstoppable De Gea. Daniel Sturridge has now been out of action since September and his absence has been sorely felt. The team has lacked speed and finishing ability up front, and they’ll be desperate for the England International to come back as soon as possible. At his best, Sturridge stretches defences with his excellent movement and is always looking to make incisive runs in behind the back four. However, if it wasn’t for the brilliance of De Gea, on another day Liverpool could’ve scored 3 or 4 goals and this point wouldn’t have been present.
Magic for Manchester. Misery for Merseyside.
Ökari Wambunya
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Very well Crafted article Okari!