Analysis: Manchester United 2 Liverpool 1

Premier League, Sunday 13^th January 2013

The prolific Robin van Persie, and captain Nemanja Vidic, scored the goals as Manchester United defeated arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday. United started the game with purpose and dominated Liverpool for the first hour. A goal for the Merseysiders made the last 30 minutes uncomfortable for the home team, but they ultimately held on to the win. Here’s some brief thoughts from the game:

Zesty confidence

United are playing with a confidence and purpose at the moment that translated into the game against Liverpool. Particularly against other top sides this season, United have started games with energy and intent, and this was evident again on Sunday. The confidence throughout side can be put down to several reasons, each fuelling the inherent United belief.

The increasingly talismanic Robin van Persie has become a regular goalscorer and reliable striker. His impact on the team is likeable to that of Eric Cantona. The numerous comebacks, and frequency of goals scored are also combining to give the team confidence. And undoubtedly, the buzz from being top of the table and looking to regain the title, is driving Manchester United on. If United carry on not just in their good form, but also with such a visibly positive psychological outlook, great things could be achieved this season.

A legendary defence

Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were reunited in central defence for the first time since September, and were masterful. The match was billed at ‘battle of the strikers’, but Ferdinand and Vidic ensured that Luis Suarez was no contest for Robin van Persie. Suarez’s effectiveness was limited to dribbling into players with no success. Despite some shaky moments late on, United’s defence was mostly solid throughout. The combination of Vidic and Ferdinand brought security and organisation. Whilst Jonny Evans has been individually superb this season, there still appears to be no pairing that can match the legendary Vidic and Ferdinand on their day.

At full-back Rafael and Patrice Evra also continued their good form. Rafael was particularly outstanding in limiting attacks down his side, and his only disappointment will be his slow reaction in the build-up to Liverpool’s goal. Evra continued to underline his importance going forward as he provided two assists. Perhaps considered a weakness in the summer, the impressive form of United’s full-backs is encouraging.

Going Forward

Another three points for Manchester United against tough opposition is a welcome result. United are playing with confidence at the moment, and they will need to take that into a tough fixture with Spurs next weekend. Up first however is an FA Cup replay with West Ham where there is likely to be widespread rotation, and possibly the returns of Wayne Rooney and Nani to first team action.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: De Gea-7, Rafael-8, Ferdinand-8, Vidic-8, Evra-8, Young-6, Carrick-8*, Cleverley-7, Kagawa-7, van Persie-7, Welbeck-7

*Man of the match