Sir Alex said it best in his post-match comments, “There was a wounded-animal aspect to the game and it was something we did not overcome.” Liverpool fully deserved the victory, as they simply wanted it more than United on the day. No argument here.
And Fernando Torres continues to ooze sublime finishing in this fixture, with his superb goal today, much like the European Championship winner for Spain, makes a strong case that he’s THE best striker on the planet now, bar none. Thank God Liverpool has no other real options up front.
Which leads me to my analysis of today’s derby, where we the plot to find Premiership gold between competing gunslingers, with all the drama, turmoil, and exaggerated violence you could expect from the third and final story in the Facts trilogy following A Fistful of Facts and For a Few Facts More.
THE GOOD
Yes, there were some bright spots amid all the derby-day-disappointment, including Berbatov’s exquisite touch and building chemistry with other forwards, Owen’s knack for getting behind defenders, and Valencia’s ability to draw double- and triple-teams today.
Granted, the next step in the lad’s development involves making better decisions when faced with such focused pressure, learning how to mix things up by hitting the early ball, curling inside occasionally, and picking the right moments to run at defenders.
Still, if Valencia’s shot off the crossbar goes in, you’d find the media falling over themselves with praise for three crucial goals in three games in a row. To me, he’s shown more signs of learning to play the United way than Nani to date.
And finally, there’s van der Sar-Superstar, with his brilliant save on an early free-kick as well as his overall clarity and confidence he brings to his backline partners. What a complete and utter relief to see his name on the team sheet each week.
THE BAD
Amongst the “il brutto” camp, what stood out the most today was not another critical goal via Rio Ferdinand’s defense, as time will tell if his sharpness and/or pace are missing, but rather, the poor refereeing during the game’s most crucial hour.
First, whenever these teams meet, referees are placed under tremendous pressure and scrutiny. With that said, I’ll even concede that the home team here typically gets the majority of the favorable calls, such as Lucas walking off the pitch somehow without a yellow card today or Macherano getting a second yellow for arguing at Old Trafford. Point conceded.
But what the hell is Andre Marriner thinking when Michael Own is pulled down by Carragher?! A yellow?! Surely, he was in perfect position to see Jamie the Red is the last man back. Surely, nobody would even try to say Owen could have continued on his feet toward goal. Surely, you jest.
Dear Mr. Marriner, you missed an easy and hugely-influential call today – you totally blew it and will be embarrassed while watching on tape.
THE UGLY
Oh, so many to choose from here, whether it’s the non-sending-off of Carragher or Vidic’s arm-tackle of Kuyt, or Macherano once again demonstrating he’s no mensa candidate with a ridiculous, studs-up lunge at van der Sar late-on.
No, the ugliest thing about the match, from the United perspective, is that the result quickly boosts Liverpools’s fragile campaign. A loss would have left Pool in shambles, with the dysfunctional ownership group, rumors of a possible sacking, pressure from a possible early exit from the Champions League, and worst of all, the knowledge they’ll go yet another season without a Premiership trophy.
United had the opportunity to place their arch-rivals into a prison camp of their own hemorrhaging expectations. Queue up Ennio Morricone’s famous film score as Liverpool are back in the title race. How ugly indeed.
----------
Back at you after the hoof-it laddie, I mean, Blackburn match. Cheers.
No comments:
Post a Comment