Liverpool Vs. Manchester United: Robin van Persie Wins It Late

Despite that, Scholes introduction immediately proved it’s value as United looked a different team from the first half, putting the Liverpool defence under some sustained pressure. They did not have to wait long for the equaliser, after some sustained build-up resulted in Rafael drifting inside and curling a superb shot around Pepe Reina and into the far post from a difficult angle, no less than the Brazilian deserved after a fine and disciplined performance.

If this played out 11 vs. 10, with the score 1-1 for the rest of the match, it would be surprising.

The midfielder lunged in for a 50-50 ball with a reckless two-footed tackle which caught Evans on the knee, and Mark Halsey was left with no alternative but to send him off.

Unfortunately for them, it looks like his work rate and passing isn’t going to be enough for Liverpool, since they’re still having trouble finishing. He might have to score the goals too.

However, things have not gone their way at Anfield recently, even while Liverpool have struggled to claw their way back into the top four. The old cliche that form is irrelevant in derbies of this magnitude seems to regularly apply to Manchester United and Liverpool.

Match Date/Time: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. local, 8:30 a.m. ET

When Manchester United line up at Anfield to take on Liverpool tomorrow, they will do so knowing that their recent record at the ground is a miserable one. The past few years of visits have seen them bullied, outfought, and overrun despite the clear advantage in quality they have possessed over their rivals. It is where United’s much-vaunted winning mentality appears to abandon them at the gates, leaving them with meek and timid performances. No comebacks. No Fergie time winners.

Then, of course, came ‘facts.’ What possessed Benitez to launch his diatribe, and how much effect it actually had on the Premier League season, is debatable. History, however, is written by the victors, and the narrative of Benitez showing a mental fragility that weakened his own side but inspired United is a difficult one to resist, and not entirely without merit. In the following game, United had by some distance their best game so far, thumping Chelsea 3-0 and finally coming together as a team, continuing their narrow wins and clean sheets, but looking like a solid, unbeatable unit in the process. Meanwhile, Liverpool drew three consecutive games - a disastrous run which surrendered their lead in the table.