Rooney and Park send United top as Scousers beaten
Winner !
By Chris,
March 21 2010
Manchester United came from a goal behind to claim a well-earned derby win against the Scousers. Goals from Wayne Rooney and Ji-Sung Park cancelled out Fernando Torres' early header as the Red Devils returned to the Premier League summit.
As green and gold starts to dominate the terraces at Old Trafford, things continue to look rosy on the pitch at least.
United came from a goal down on Sunday afternoon to hear misery on the Scousers and leap-frog Arsenal to return to the top of the Premier League table.
Torres had headed the visitors into the lead during the early stages - but United showed great character to fight back and take a huge step towards a nineteenth league championship.
Liverpool's flamboyant Spanish frontman was given too much time and space to guide his header beyond Edwin van der Sar's grasp - but it proved a rare attack from Rafa's punchless side.
United drew level in controversial circumstances. Antonio Valencia raced towards goal but was hauled down by Javier Mascherano. It was a clear foul - but the incident started outside the box leading to protests from Liverpool's players as the referee pointed to the spot.
Wayne Rooney's penalty was saved by Pepe Reina but the freescoring England star was composed enough to slot home the rebound and subsequently silence the travelling masses. Rooney has now bagged an astonishing 33 goals this season.
Before Roon's penalty was taken, Torres tried to scuff the penalty spot behind the referee's back. He escaped without a yellow card - but his incident was caught by 70,000 furious Reds!
United started to look increasingly dangerous after Rooney's goal. Park's header from Valencia's teasing cross went wide as United looked to turn the screw. The South Korean, however, was celebrating later on.
The winning goal came on the hour mark. A header from the hardworking Ji-Sung Park completed a crisp attacking move from the Champions which carved open Channel 5's Thursday night favourites!
United were fairly collected in the closing stages - despite five minutes of added time causing plenty of nervous tension for supporters. Torres fluffed a great chance late on, but United had defended well throughout the second-half and were worthy winners.
Mass celebrations followed when referee Howard Webb brought an end to proceedings. United return to the top of the league, and with Chelsea only drawing at Ewood Park, the Red Devils are looking brilliantly positioned as we approach the business end of the season.
Full Time - Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool
Attendance - 75,216
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I won't take anything away from United for the Park goal though, it was well worked.
The truth is though, that United got a lucky break. They didn't earn this victory.
We are looking at four in a row and number 19 !!
