Liverpool 1 v 0 Manchester United
Anfield, Liverpool
18th February 2006
United fell to another disappointing defeat, with Liverpool this time taking the win.
United triumphed in the Premiership with a late Rio Ferdinand goal, and it was perhaps because Ferdinand was ruled out that cost United the game this time round.
Van der Sar had two saves to make, and unfortunatley didn't get close enough to the second shot (a header from Crouch) which rolled in after hitting both posts following Edwin's parry.
United failed to get their teeth into the midfield battles, although the fact that Hamann and Sissoko, amongst others, were allowed to make over ten challenges (most late on Ronaldo!) and get away with it has to go down as one of the referees inadequacies.
How Fergie could have expected Fletcher, Giggs and Richardson to win a midifeld battle against the Liverpool hard-men is beyond belief.
Van Nistelrooy was ruled offside twice, with the benefit of the doubt being given to the defence both times in two close calls. Both times the ball ended up in the back of the net, but it was clearly not to be United's day.
In the final minutes, with United laying seige to Liverpool's goal, Smith was unlucky in a fall, and saw him break his leg and dislocate his ankle at the same time. We wish him well in his recovery.
United have a week to get their act together in time for the Carling Cup Final against Wigan.
