I THINK WE HAVE A PROBLEM

 

We'd already faced Liverpool once in the Premiership this season, back when Roy Hodgson was in charge. The result was a classic 3-2 win at Old Trafford for United. Since then, well Hodgson's got the boot and has been replaced by Kenny Dalgleish. Not long after that, we knocked the Scousers out of the FA Cup. We're now top of the league with our old rivals still hoping for a Europa League spot - and so we head to Anfield for a Premiership match in the hope of getting back to winning ways. Rafael right back, Brown and Smalling central defence, Evra captain, Nani right mid, Giggsy left mid, Rooney and Berbatov up front. Three points required.

Well the Scousers had the first opportunity of the match but it was pretty weak. United came up with a much better effort later on but that unfortunately hit the post. However it was Kenny Dalgliesh's crew that were showing us whose house we were in and I suppose a Liverpool goal was inevitable. Luis Suarez made his way through a packed penalty area in the 34th minute before sliding a ball to Dirk Kuyt who only had to tap it in. Then a Suarez cross in the 39th minute caused Nani to have a brain-dead moment as he headed the ball to Kuyt who again could not miss. The Scousers then arguably should have gone into half time down to ten men but didn't. Bottom line, it was time for one of United's miracle comebacks.

Ugliness aside, the Scousers looked to pick up where they left off at the start. United had their best spell of the game afterwards but couldn't pull a goal back and in fact wound up in a deeper hole in the 65th minute when our goalie couldn't keep hold of a Suarez free kick and Kuyt completed his hat-trick from point-blank range. It was pretty much game over at that point United at least tried to make an effort at damage limitation but it wasn't untill injury time that we succeeded in putting the ball in the net, Hernandez taking care of business from a Giggsy cross. Even the MUTV commentators barely noticed it though and that pretty much says it all - not a good day to be a United fan.

Elsewhere, Arsenal faced Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium. Sunderland were the first side to get going in the match though the Gunners were looking to take over as the first half went on but couldn't hit the net before the interval. Fact is, this was not a vintage Arsenal performance and though the Gunners finished the match with the most chances, it was Sunderland goalie Simon Mignolet that got the man of the match award - that pretty much says all you need to know. That means that United remain top of the Premiership but now only three points ahead of nearest challengers Arsenal and the Gunners still have a game in hand.

North of the border, Aberdeen faced Dundee United at Tannadice Park in the SPL. The Dons had the first serious opportunity but it was the home side that were firmingly in control at half time with Barry Douglas and Craig Conway hitting the net. Josh MaGennis pulled one back for the Dons early in the second half only for Daniel Swanson to restore the Tangerines two goal lead and the Dons weren't able to get a second goal despite late efforts. Bottom line, Craig Brown was forced to bow down to the Dons New Firm rivals in what was a bitter blow for the Reds just as they were really fancying their chances of reaching the top half of the table.

Elsewhere, Hibs faced St Johnstone at McDiamid Park. The Saints had the much better first half with the visitors only managing to get one serious shot on goal in that period. Neither could get any actual goals though. Hibs defender Richard Towell put the ball in his own net at the start of the second half but the home side were unable to finish their opponents off and Hibs equalised late on through David Wotherspoon. Both sides had late chances but neither could win the game. That means the Dons slip down to 10th in the SPL, six points behind Motherwell(lost 3-0 to Inverness CT at the Caledonian Stadium) and the top half of the table but sixteen points ahead of Hamilton(lost 2-0 to Celtic at Celtic Park) and relegation(though the Accies have a game in hand).

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