What a bad game that was for Manchester United. Seeking to take advantage of an Arsenal slip up to Sunderland was not going to be easy against a rejuvenated Liverpool side, but no one would have predicted such a poor performance and miserable result for Ferguson to ponder.
After a good start from Liverpool, United got hold of possession, and started to control the game. The first goal changed it all, and after that, frustration showed, with tackles flying in from every angle, culminating in four yellow cards at the end of the first half.
Three very very avoidable goals were conceded, all falling to the fortunate but as always hard working Dutchman Dirk Kuyt - inside the six yard box every time. The first saw Luiz Suarez carve open the makeshift United defence with complete ease, passing into the path of Kuyt lurking on the line for an easy tap in. All United had to do was stop Suarez. They didn't.
Next, and Nani grabbed another assist for the season, as he temporarily forgot which side he was playing for, unhelpfully nodding the ball back into the United area rather than clearing it, for Kuyt to pounce with an easy header to finish. Nani was then rewarded by Liverpool with a knee-high challenge from Jamie Carragher which saw the winger have tears streaming down his face as he was stretchered off to boos from the Anfield crowd. Rather ungrateful seeing as he just helped you to a win, isn't it?
The cherry was placed firmly onto the Reds delicious (for them) cake, when a Luiz Suarez free kick was parried away by van der sar only to the feet of - guess who - Dirk Kuyt. His first ever Liverpool hat trick, and a hat trick that had come at the worst possible time for Manchester United, as they now had to climb a momentous mountain to come back from three goals down.
The consolation came late on, and was a matter of way too little, way too late. Take nothing away from the classy finish from the excellent Javier Hernandez whose header was placed perfectly into the corner after a difficult and massively frustrating day at the office, this little guy will see a lot more goals in this fixture in the future. No doubt.
It was a terrible display from United, who do not move six points clear of Arsenal, but instead stay just the three points ahead, knowing that Arsenal have a vital game in hand.
A goal for United early in the first half would have changed everything. A breakthrough would have lifted the team, and given some belief to work with. As it was however, the team looked noticeably uninspired all game, and could muster nothing to respond to the three goals that meant anything in terms of the game. The Hernandez goal may prove valuable in the long run in relation to goal difference, but it won't lighten my spirits too much.
No creativity - again a phrase banded around here, but it is true. I am quietly pleased that once again the midfield failed to grab hold of the game by the scruff of the neck, as it may open Ferguson's eyes to the obvious need of some creative midfielders and a holding player. United really will fall behind the pack next season if this isn't sorted.
Arseal will be delighted with this result, and will have breathed a sigh of relief after their goalless draw yesterday. The Gunners will now be able to see that as one point gained rather than two lost, and give them the confidence to push on and overtake the wavering United, who have now lost two on the bounce.
That Arsenal - Manchester United game is looking more and more pivotal in this title race, and after this result may well decide which way this title swings. Hopefully United will have sorted themselves out by then.
