Shankly's Birthday Gift

Liverpool FC vs Manchester United Match Report - 01 September 2013

On the eve of Bill Shankly’s 100th birthday, an old adversary under a new regime were the visitors to Anfield as Brendan Rodgers’ Reds welcomed David Moyes’ Manchester United.

Paying tribute to the man responsible for the Liverpool Football Club we know today, the kop assembled a breathtaking mosaic of the great Bill Shankly before kick-off which was accompanied by immaculate one minute applause from every section of the Anfield crowd.

On the field, The Reds, determined to pay their respects to the great Scot, began the match on the front foot with Brendan’s men pushing high up the pitch and by the 3rd minute Jordan Henderson pressured Ashley Young into a mistake from which Daniel Sturridge earned Liverpool a corner.

From the corner, Steven Gerrard delivered a curling cross into the Manchester United penalty area which Agger attacked ahead of Rio Ferdinand before Daniel Sturridge nodded the ball into the net.

This was Sturridge’s third goal in Liverpool’s three Premier League games this season and already his fifth of all competitions.

Liverpool did look a threat from corners a few days earlier against Notts County with Agger unlucky not to have scored – his new-found attacking intent from set pieces paying dividends this time against United.

Brendan’s troops continued to press United with Sturridge & Aspas limiting the passing options of the United defense. Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverly simply could not get into the game while Robin Van Persie was closely monitored by Martin Skrtel. The Red Devils did look dangerous from set pieces though, with one particular corner finding its way to Liverpool’s six-yard box – the ball landed behind Van Persie who couldn’t control it and the chance went begging.

With Liverpool holding, Aspas would drop deep into the advanced midfield role to influence the attacking play. Coutinho would also cut inside while Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson pushed forward.

Although Coutinho seems to be improving at defending the zones on the left hand side, he also does seem to be burdened by his defensive responsibilities. The Brazilian does well in covering the zones but he does not get close to his opponent and he did leave Enrique exposed on a couple of occasions due to a United overlap.

There were no problems for Liverpool on their right side though as Johnson produced his best performance of the season thus far as he fully nullified Ashley Young. The England right back was greatly assisted by the ever-improving Jordan Henderson who seemed everywhere across the pitch helping Gerrard and Lucas in midfield while also blocking any overlap attempts by Patrice Evra.

David Moyes deployed Daniel Welbeck as the roaming forward behind Robin Van Persie – Welbeck also played a key role in pressuring Lucas and Gerrard in midfield when the Reds had possession of the ball.

The strange decision for me was positioning Ryan Giggs in the right midfield position. Yes, the Welshman was asked to cut inside and influence United’s attack from a central position when United held possession but one still wonders about the wisdom behind asking a 39 year old player-coach to hold such a demanding position?

The lack of attacking intent from Phil Jones in the right back position weakened United’s right side even further. The injury to Jones and the introduction of Valencia on 37 minutes was a potential blessing in disguise for the Red Devils.

Manchester United’s frustration grew as the half wore on with their booking count increasing while Van Persie came close to seeing Red.

The first half came to a close with Liverpool deservedly leading by a single goal.

Moyes ordered his men to press higher in the second half while Brendan Rodgers requested that his Reds remain compact and deep mirroring what Liverpool did away at Aston Villa a week earlier.

With Valencia at right back, Giggs was positioned more centrally. The Ecuador international used his strength to negate Coutinho’s attacking influence – Valencia added a new attacking outlet for United on the right as he showcased Coutinho’s lack of defensive discipline on a few occasions.

As the second half progressed, the tiring Aspas failed to pressure United’s central midfield who started having more time on the ball. Aspas was replaced on the 60th minute with Sterling introduced. The young England winger was asked to help Enrique on Liverpool’s left side while he would also add searing pace for Valencia to defend against. Sterling also allowed for Coutinho to move centrally where he is usually more effective.

Moyes attempted to stretch Liverpool’s midfield and defense by introducing Nani for Ashley Young. The Portuguese, deployed on the right wing, was introduced with intention of adding attacking pressure on Liverpool’s seemingly weaker left side. The ineffective Giggs was retained and this time asked to play on the left wing position.

The Red Devils maintained possession for large phases of the second half but they failed to penetrate Liverpool’s resolute defense. Gerrard, Lucas and Henderson became key to limiting United’s attack – their compact positioning ensured that the likes of Welbeck and Van Persie could not receive the ball where they could do most damage.

Brendan’s deep tactics were also ideal for Martin Skrtel. The Slovak is one of the best in the league at defending from a deep defensive position – he was fully dominant against Van Persie for the entire 90 minutes.

Moyes, now clearly desperate, brought on Javier Hernandez for the final 15 minutes with Welbeck now predominantly on the left wing cutting inside.

United were eventually limited to a snap shot by Nani from outside the box which Mignolet strongly saved and an opportunity by the subdued Van Persie from a Hernandez pass from Liverpool’s left side – the Holland international could not direct his shot goal-wards.

Liverpool’s new “Substance over Style” approach leads the Reds to their third 1-0 win in their third Premier League game of the season.

Brendan’s deep defensive line in the second half was ideal against a predominantly counter-attacking team in Manchester United. This defensive change also allowed Martin Skrtel the platform for a very solid defensive performance. Lucas and Gerrard looked solid and highly disciplined in center midfield while Jordan Henderson is starting to look like a key component to Liverpool this season. 

The injury to Glen Johnson is a disappointment for Liverpool though, after his car-crash-like tackle on Patrice Evra. The England international was excellent throughout against United showing once again how he cherishes the big occasions. 

On the morning of Bill Shankly’s 100th birthday, his beloved Liverpool sit atop the Premier League table and in Brendan Rodgers Liverpool have a progressive manager who is ever learning and adapting to the demands of the modern game while maintaining the foundations of The Liverpool Way.

Happy birthday Bill Shankly…this win was for you!