Today marks yet another highly-touted rivalry clash between Manchester United and Liverpool F.C. Before this match, held at the Red Devils’ home ground, Liverpool have won 74 of the 186 meetings and Manchester United, having their share of 62 wins with 51 draws between them. Liverpool look to build on that lead as they have Luis Suarez back on form. The Uruguayan having banged in 19 goals in all competition already this 2012/13 season.
However, it turned out to be a lackluster first-half for Liverpool as United relentlessly forged chance after chance. It wasn’t long before the first goal came, and it came in the from none other than, Robin van Persie. A swift United play saw former England under-21 midfielder, Tom Cleverley, pick out Patrice Evra on the left, who whipped in a low cross to van Persie. The Dutchman, the instinctively guided the ball past Pepe Reina to make it 1-0 to the Red Devils. Another glorious chance came from United. This time, it was Ashley Young who was the man behind the move. After receiving the ball from teammate Cleverley, the 27-year-old winger cut in from the right and laid out an inch-perfect pass to van Persie, whose shot sailed over the crossbar. Joe Allen, known for his clever passing, uncharacteristically set up Danny Welbeck, who looks set to score, until Liverpool’s center-half, Daniel Agger slid in to block the shot. It was a close shave for the Kop as United went hacking on. Good work down the right by Young, as he delivered a cross which Allen headed away, onto Cleverley’s path, who came so close to doubling United’s lead as he slammed a left-footed volley just wide of the post. Soon, United’s second came. It was through a van Persie free-kick which Evra got onto it and slightly deflected off Vidic into the goal.
In the 2nd half, Liverpool looked determined to force a comeback as there was a clear contrast in the way the played compared to the 1st. Their rewards were soon reaped. The ever-hardworking Stevie G, stole the ball off Carrick, played a one-two with Sterling and shot straight at De Gea who parries. Sturridge then pounced on the loose ball to reduce the deficit. 2-1.
The home side almost made it game over for their bitter rivals as Kagawa’s first-time curling shot was well diverted away by Pepe Reina. Liverpool tried and tried but couldn’t find the vital equalizer. Sturridge firing at the side netting and Fabio Borini, who came back from injury, volleyed well wide just minutes later. At the closing moments of the game, Suarez scrambled through United’s penalty box as the ball found its way to Sturridge. The former Chelsea man, however, blazed his shot over the goal and into the stands. Since taking over at Liverpool, this is Brendan Rodger’s 1st loss in his 1st game to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, who extend their lead to 10 points at the top of the table.
muuund 
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