United Puts a Poor Liverpool to the Sword (Manchester Unitred 2 - Liverpool 0)

I caught this game at Cow's place together with some really good Sunday soccermates, namely Cow, Kentona, Ly, Matt and God. Of course Cow, Matt (sourpuss) and God were more or less diehard Pool fans, were pretty bitter over the poor display put up by their favourite team.

Kentona, Ly and I were delirious with the result, and more importantly the determination and grit shown by our own lads. We wanted the game more and the scoreline provided the fruits of our endeavor.

The game was played in a fast and furious pace, with neither set of players settling down and controlling the game for any sustained period of time. The tackles flew in and a number of players were lucky not to be booked in the first quarter. However we began to control the midfield, marshalled by Scholes, Carrick, Giggs and, the ever determined, Fletcher. To say Fletcher had a good game was a gross gross understatement. He played like a man possessed, flying in for tackles and winning all of them, causing panick in the Liverpool ranks.

Scholes, Carrick and Giggs followed his cue and started to boss an ineffective Liverpool midfield, bullying them into submission. The only respite Liverpool had was from Momo Sissoko, but after his booking at the half hour mark, the taming of the Liverpool midfield was complete.

Scholes, celebrating his 500th appearance for the men in Red, fittingly scored the first goal for United. Giggs crossed the ball from the left and Scholes side footed the ball at Reina, whose half save could not prevent Scholes from poking in the rebound. 500th appearance and a goal to boot. It was a virtuoso performance from Scholes.

In the second half, Rio scored a brilliant goal with his left foot, booting the ball into the top left corner beyond an outstretched Reina. 2-0 to United. The game was effectively sealed and the points in the bag. If anyone remembers, Rio scored a last minute winner in the same fixture last season.

Liverpool on the whole were pathetic. Their defense was slack and slow. Their midifeld crumbled at the slightest tackle, all thanks to Fletcher leading the way in that department. And their attack was virtually non-existent. To be honest, I had my doubts this game. I was almost convinced this was going to be like another Arsenal game, where we were heavily touted to win but would eventually lose again at Old Trafford. And to make matters worse, it would be the kick start to Liverpool's season, the way victory over us kick started Arsenal's. Thankfully my worst fears didn't materialise. And I credit it to Fletcher for setting the tone early in the game.

I suppose you must all realise by now where I'm heading with all this Fletcher praise. I've been getting all sorts of stick for my staunch support for Fletcher throughout the years and finally this season he's showing why he's so highly touted. I know many would have, for sentimental reasons, picked Scholes for the man of the match, but to me it was Fletcher. His individual performance was what epitomised our play today....determined, tenacious and yet effective. And the ironic thing is that he replaced Ronaldo, who was down with flu. Ronaldo would have definitely played had he been fit. Today, I feel vindicated.

Taking nothing away from Scholes, he too had a brilliant game. He tackled, passed and scored the all important first goal to mark his 500th appearance.

In fact I can hardly fault a player in a Red shirt today. Everyone played their hearts out. Even Evra and Carrick, my favourite boo boys, had a pretty darn good game. I couldn't be more proud of the boys today, as I'm sure many United fans would be. Having bragging rights to start off Monday at work is always a nice thing to have.