Liverpool beats Manchester United 2-0 – Recap and Video Highlights – Sunday, October 25, 2009

The biggest match of the weekend in the English Premier League was on Sunday with Liverpool hosting Manchester United. Liverpool has been struggling of late and needs a win at home against Manchester United. So, who won the match and what happened? Here’s a recap of the match along with video highlights

Liverpool beats Manchester United 2-0 – Video Highlights

1st Half

It was an electric crowd at Anfield as Liverpool looked to defeat Man U after winning both EPL matches last season. Liverpool was boosted by having Fernando Torres back in the starting lineup while Manchester United had Wayne Rooney return. It was a quick pace to the match for the first 10 minutes but neither team was able to get a great chance early.

Liverpool almost scored around the 15th minute on a free kick but Man U goalkeeper Van Der Sar made a nice save. A few minutes later, Paul Scholes turned the ball over as Lucas led the counterattack. Dirk Kuyt took a shot inside the box that just went wide as Liverpool was playing with much more confidence than last weekend against Sunderland. Manchester United came back with a header from Wayne Rooney in the 21st minute that forced a nice save from Pepe Reina.

The match had a great start as both teams were getting chances and a scoreless draw seemed highly unlikely. Liverpool was the better team through the first half hour as they had more possession and chances. Man U struggled to settle into the match in the first half. Liverpool continued to get chances as Aurelio had a header on goal that was saved by Van Der Sar around the 35th minute.

Despite playing a good first half, Liverpool wasn’t able to take the lead as it would at 0-0 after 45 minutes. The home side was definitely the better team but needed to convert on chances in the second half.

2nd Half

The second half started with Liverpool remaining the sharper and better club. Liverpool was unable to get the lead and Man United started to get more chances as the match progressed. The hard work and chances from Liverpool would eventually pay off in the 64th minute.

Yossi Benayoun sent a through ball for Fernando Torres who held possession well and struck a terrific shot just under the crossbar for a 1-0 Liverpool lead in the 65th minute. It was a nice pass from Benayoun and world class finishing from Torres who didn’t have a great angle but still found the back of the net. The goal immediately raised the level of the crowd (who was already very much in the match) to a deafening level.

There were roughly 25 minutes left after the Torres goal and plenty of time for Man U to find an equalizer or even two goals. Liverpool would really put pressure on the Man U defense in the next several minutes. They were unable to extend their lead as both teams made substitutions late. Michael Owen and Nani came on for Manchester United while Liverpool brought on N’Gog for Torres.

Heading into the final 10 minutes, Liverpool held their 1-0 lead and clearly were the better team in the match. This being said, one great individual play for Man U could level the match. United nearly tied it in the 84th minute as Valencia hit a shot off the crossbar from close range. They would continue to be the aggressive team late in the match but couldn’t break through the Liverpool defense.

Man U’s chances seemed even lower as Vidic was given a red card for a foul on Kuyt in the 90th minute. There was five minutes of stoppage time as the Anfield crowd was anxious for the referee’s final whistle. In the 95th minute, Mascherano as given is second yellow of the match and ejected to make it 10 on 10 for the final minute or so of stoppage time.

As Man U attacked with seconds left, Liverpool took advantage on the counterattack. Some nice passing led to N’Gog wide open in front of goal and a chance to put the match out of reach. The Liverpool striker scored to make it 2-0.  The referee would signal the end of the match a few moments later and Liverpool defeated Man United.

Overall, It was a well deserved win for Liverpool who needed the win.

SCORING SUMMARY
Liverpool	Manchester United
Fernando Torres (65)
David Ngog (90)

MATCH STATS
	Liverpool	Manchester United
Shots (on Goal)	16(5)	8(3)
Fouls	20	13
Corner Kicks	5	1
Offsides	1	3
Time of Possession	43%	57%
Yellow Cards	1	2
Red Cards	1	1
Saves	3	3

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