Jeffrey Graceffo - Liverpool Suffers A Bitter Loss To Manchester United 2-1

Manchester United defeated Liverpool 2-1 in a bitterly contested match at Anfield this afternoon.  This game was a reflection of Liverpool's season to this point as they dominated but left the field without a positive result.  The opening forty-five minutes was the finest half of football that I've witnessed this season.  Liverpool was a pleasure to watch.  They ran rings around a helpless Manchester United.  Steven Gerrard appeared as if he were a version of his younger self, while Raheem Sterling terrorized United defenders down the right wing.


Liverpool kept the United keeper busy throughout the opening half, but the referee changed the game in the 40th minute as he issued a red card to Liverpool's Shelvey for a cleats up challenge.  The call was much deserved. However, later in the game Manchester United's Johnny Evans did the same act, yet only received a yellow card. This was not the last time the referee's calls were questioned.

Although they were down a man, Liverpool kept up the pressure in the second half. Despite the disadvantage, they were the more aggressive side.  Their aggressiveness was rewarded as Steven Gerrard broke the deadlock in the 49th minute to give the Reds a 1-0 lead.  If they held on for a victory it would be a season changing victory.

However, it only took several minutes for United to even the score as Rafael bent a strike off of the far post and into the net.  With the score tied at 1, Liverpool refused to back down.  They charged forward and should have received a penalty kick when Paul Scholes took down Sterling inside the 18-yard box.  Why this wasn't called is a mystery. It was a clear penalty.

In the 67th minute, United received a penalty kick as Valencia was brought down by Glen Johnson inside the box.  This was a 50/50 call, Johnson made contact but the replay showed that it was minimal.  Robin Van Persie buried it into the corner as the Liverpool keeper could only get his fingertips on the ball.

Valiantly, Liverpool attempted to get the equalizer but they were unable to do so as the final whistle blew. The referee was a disaster. Liverpool remains winless.  They've dominated Manchester City and Manchester United at home, but gave these games away.  On the bright side, they are playing wonderful soccer.  It's easy to see things short term, and say they are losing, and that they should change things. Patience is key. They're style is wonderful, the goals will come, give them time. Brendan Rogers appears to be good things.

By Jeffrey Graceffo