“Football is not just a matter of Life and Death, It’s much more than that” – Bill Shankly
Two games, two 1-0s, two clean sheets, a manager without the vast experience, a side missing their talisman player, but 100 years when the Great Shankly was born and the stadium of Anfield which lit up to the occasion. It was between the two fiercest rivals in history of English football. It was Liverpool versus Manchester Utd. And it was the chance for Moyes to register his first ever win at Anfield. Having been the opposite manager of the Merseyside rivals Everton, Moyes wasn’t unfamiliar with the atmosphere the Red faithful create, but he needed his side to come up with a performance against an improved Liverpool side which has learned to grind results.
Without the injured Rooney, Moyes had put in Giggs and Young, dropping Valencia on the bench. Twenty-Four hours from deadline of transfer window, a United side without the quality, precision and power that had driven them for years was against a fluid and determined Liverpool side which had Ilori, Sakho and Victor Moses watching from the stands ahead of possible moves to Anfield and the suspended Luis Suarez which can make them a force to reckon. It just couldn’t have gone worse for United with a goal conceded inside 4 mins. And it was again the former Chelsea man, the Birthday boy who’s been on a roll this season, Daniel Sturridge. United reacted back strongly, like they always do, but were unable to get past another brilliant Rodger’s signing Mignolet, who has been the difference between the 1-0s Liverpool have this season, to 1-1’s they used to have for past years. United clearly lacked a Fabregas, Alcantara, Herrera or Fellaini, their targets this summer and the absence of Rooney didn’t make it any better. Skrtel who filled in Kolo Toure’s shoes, who has been brilliant for the opening two games, was amazing as well. United brought on Nani and Valencia, but Van Persie and co. could not find a way past Mignolet and it was Scousers’ day to cheer.
Too early to judge either sides, but United will find it difficult in the midfield considering the absence of Rooney who has recently been a driving force there and any significant additions. A day still left and we have had some strange transfers on the last day in past few seasons. Will United be the one beneficiary this time? Liverpool looks good as of now, but they might not be as lucky always to get away with a 1-0 win. It’s better than a draw, but converting the chances created has been Liverpool’s problem recently. Liverpool have fixed the issues of last year, have handled the Suarez situation well, got rid of deadwood and bought in some exciting signings. Relatively easy next few fixtures for Liverpool, will they rise from here or will their hard work be wasted? Only time will tell.