SOCCER: Liverpool does league double over United

Anfield yesterday was not a place of peace. The early afternoon in England was the scene of one of history’s most famous battles…Liverpool and Manchester United.

The same ground which last week hosted a memorable international match and featured seven of the combined players from both teams, was now to see yet another thriller.

Liverpool dominated from the outset and created more than fifteen excellent scoring chances. In attack, the Reds played strong, holding the ball to wait for support when required, and running at the luckless United defense time and again.

The game ended at 2 nil but it could have easily have been five, as the Merseysiders spurned some real chances. Fabian Barthez in the United goals played well and saved the Premiership holders from an embarrassing scoreline.

Steven Gerrard, who at 20 is playing with a mature head on his shoulders scored the first goal in the 18th minute from all of 32 yards, with a thunderous shot to the top left corner. Anfield favorite, Robbie Fowler made it two with a marvelous turn and strike in the wet conditions just before half time.

The second half saw the Reds shut out Manchester United with a stern defense, and quick and sharp counter attacks. Liverpool midfielder saw the red card in the 68th minute, after receiving his second yellow for a reckless challenge on Dennis Irwin, but despite this United could not consolidate, and it was Liverpool still creating the better chances.

England hero Michael Owen came on late for Liverpool to top off the day, and when the full time whistle sound, the Reds had completed their first league double over their fierce rivals for the first time since 1979.

The Jubilant Liverpool supporters had witnessed an emphatic win, which showed character and that Gerard Houllier’s boys are well and truly reviving the glory days of Liverpool past.