Rashford Brace Beats The Reds

Sports - Football - Premier League - MUN 2:1 LIV

Marcus Rashford's first-half brace was enough for Manchester United to beat arch rivals Liverpool 2-1 in the Saturday lunch-time kick-off at Old Trafford, widening the gap between the two sides in 2nd and 3rd place respectively to five points in the Premier League table.

It was only the second time José Mourinho managed to beat Jürgen Klopp in nine attempts, the Red Devils having only lost once at home this season against bitter rivals City, winning 16 and drawing two. The last time they lost against the Reds at Old Trafford was 0-3 in March 2014.

The first real chance, out of nowhere, just under quarter of an hour gone, Rashford headed down and collected Romelu Lukaku's header won against Dejan Lovren off a goal-kick, ran into the box on the left, pulled the ball back to make more space away from Trent Alexander-Arnold and placed the right-footed shot perfectly across into the right corner of the net to give the home side the lead, no chance for fully stretched Loris Karius.

And the number 19 doubled the lead ten minutes later, the ball falling back to him inside the box off Virgil van Dijk, with all the space in the world, the local lad made no mistake of slashing the ball from the left across past Alexander-Arnold and in to make it 2-0. Again Lovren could not cope with Lukaku in the build-up, Liverpool were all over the place, United on top.

It was the first time a Red Devil scored a brace in the first half against Liverpool since Gary Pallister in 1997.

On the other side of the pitch, David de Gea didn't get much to do in the opening half an hour, Sadio Mané and van Dijk putting chances wide, whilst skipper James Milner, in for Jordan Henderson, and Roberto Firmino served the Spanish keeper easy catches.

There was no real threat or sign from the Premier League Player of the Month of February Mohamed Salah either, isolated and kept very quiet by the home side. The Egyptian is the league joint-top goal scorer this season alongside Harry Kane with 24 goals - having scored in every single one of the Reds' league matches last month.

It wasn't the usual LFC trademark of pressing pressing pressing, more watching watching watching and giving the ball away by the Reds. Nicht gut.

And it could have been worse, seven minutes before the break, Juan Mata missed a sitter, all alone in the middle of the box, a couple of yards out, tried a flashy overhead kick, putting the golden chance wide.

Lovren put a Milner corner sky high in the final minutes before the interval after a period of pressure by the Reds on the hosts' box, but again nothing to worry the Red Devils too much and it stayed 2-0 at the break.

A penny for Klopp's thoughts and to be a fly on their dressing room's wall during the halftime team talk by the German boss... No changes were made by either side at the break.

United have not lost a home game in the league that they have been leading at the break since May 7th 1984 (1-2 vs Ipswich Town).

Van Dijk put another header off a corner high shortly after the break before Salah failed to control the ball in the box with Ashley Young all over him, no reaction from the officials.

United captain Antonio Valencia got away with bouncing Andy Robertson's cross off his left hand, blocking any Liverpool threat, the visitors pushing and pressing a bit more after the restart, but still not threatening de Gea.

Seconds after Adam Lallana replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the sub tried to push and break into the box but failed just like his team mates, Milner firing high from distance afterwards.

The ball finally went in for the Reds thanks to Eric Bailly putting Mané's cross from the left into the back of his own net, de Gea could only punch it in to make it 2-1 with just under 25 minutes to go. Game on.

That was only the second goal United have conceded in the second half in 15 PL matches at Old Trafford this season, the other one scored by Man City's Nicolás Otamendi.

Rashford was replaced by Marouane Fellaini minutes later, the United boss looking to break Liverpool's momentum.

Lovren and Fellaini clashed a couple of times as United threatened on the left, the ref ignored it all, but had a word with Klopp who was fuming, before bringing on Georgino Wijnaldum for a struggling Alexander-Arnold for the last ten minutes.

Firmino back-footed the ball in the box instead of taking the chance himself, Mané and Fellaini tumbling and falling all over each other in the box, neither getting the ball nor a call from the ref.

Klopp brought on Dominic Solanke for the final minutes, in place of Robertson in a last desperate offensive change, just when United were having a rare period of play in and around the Liverpool box, winning their first corner.

Valencia was booked for felling down Mané shortly after Mourinho had brought on Jesse Lingard in place of Mata, but United cleared any threat once again, waste for Liverpool.

Six minutes were added on, the visitors desperate to get something out of the match, the home side surrounding them and keeping the wall/bus solid at the back, in and around the box.

Mané won a late corner unable to release a shot surrounded by Red Devils, who broke on the counter after the set piece, Karius having to come out to clear the threat.

Liverpool's 11th corner in the 95th minute, Klopp told Karius to stay put and not come out for it, their 12th corner followed 96th minute, Salah smashed the ball high.

It was just not meant to be. A late change for the home side killed the last seconds, Alexis Sánchez replaced by Matteo Darmian. It stayed 2-1, United frustrating and topping their rivals in the game and in the table.

Liverpool have only won one in seven games immediately following a CL match, unable to capitalise on Paul Pogba's pre-match injury, which brought Mata into midfield, Bailly and Rashford also starting, making up the three changes for the home side.

Manchester United have won 50% (10/20) of league games without the Frenchman starting since the beginning of last season, 60% (28/47) when he did start.

Liverpool made one change after their Champions League draw against Porto, Milner in for Henderson with the captain's armband, as mentioned above.

No team in the top five European leagues have scored more goals away from home this season than LFC = 35.

It was the 200th meeting between the two rivals, 170th in the league - United edging it with 68 wins to Liverpool's 55, the most defeats the red Merseysiders have suffered against any other side.

There has never been four successive draws in the 170 league meetings. Klopp felt his side had deserved something out of the match, crucial refereeing decisions going against his side.

But the German cannot deny his side were just that one step behind, that final touch missing, because the Red Devils stayed on top and in control, despite the lack of possession.

Frustrating indeed, and rare to see the front trio not clicking and scoring. They will face Watford at Anfield next Saturday evening to pick themselves up and get back into the groove again.

HT Stats: MUN 2-0 LIV
Possession: 36%-64%
Shots: 3-5
On target: 2-2
Corners: 0-5
Fouls: 6-5
Yellow cards: 1-1

FT Stats: MUN 2-1 LIV
Possession: 32%-68%
Shots: 5-14
On target: 2-2
Corners: 1-13
Fouls: 10-16
Yellow cards: 2-1

Man United Goals: Rashford 14' & 24'.

Liverpool Goal: Bailly OG 66'.

Man United Team: 1 De Gea; 18 Young, 3 Baily, 12 Smalling, 25 Valencia (c) (booked 89'); 31 Matic, 39 McTominay; 19 Rashford (booked 27') (27 Fellaini 70'), 7 Sánchez (32 Darmain 97'), 8 Mata (14 Lingard 88'); 9 Lukaku. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 2 Lindelöf, 16 Carrick, 20 Romero, 23 Shaw.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 26 Robertson (29 Solanke 84'), 4 van Dijk, 6 Lovren, 66 Alexander-Arnold (5 Wijnaldum 80'); 23 Can, 7 Milner (c), 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain (booked 35') (20 Lallana 62'); 19 Mané, 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 12 Gomez, 14 Henderson, 22 Mignolet, 32 Matip.

Referee: Craig Pawson
Man of the match: Romelu Lukaku
Ground: Old Trafford
Attendance: 74,855

Click here for my last LFC match report.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from BBC match report, Sky Sports app, Twitter and SFR coverage.

Moyes' revenge as United kick LFC out of Cup

Sports - Football - League Cup - Man United 1-0 Liverpool 

Manchester United put Sunday's league thrashing by Manchester City behind them by beating rivals Liverpool 1-0 at Old Trafford to eliminate them from the League Cup. 

New boss David Moyes will be happy to have avenged the defeat Brendan Rodgers' men inflicted on his side when the two teams met at Anfield earlier this month. 

The visitors were unlucky not to find themselves on the scoresheet after dominating most of play and seeing the return of Luis Suarez after his 10-match bite ban. 

The controversial Uruguayan partnered well with Daniel Sturridge, both forwards working well together and creating plenty of opportunities, the latter hitting the bar in the second half. 

Moyes wanted a reaction from United after their derby defeat and made eight changes to the side thrashed at the Etihad. 

The former Everton boss certainly saw an improvement after the restart - skipper Wayne Rooney's corner fired home by an unmarked Javier Hernandez to give United the lead 40 seconds into the second half after they were pinned back and played around for most of the match up until then. 

But the rustiness showed in Suarez and Sturridge after they missed some sitters although United keeper David De Gea did have his say in that too with some splendid saves. 

What a difference a game makes, the victory for Moyes making it the best start for a new United boss since legend Matt Busby in 1945 and extended his side's run to six successive home wins against the Reds, whilst Rodgers' side are now without a win in three games. 

Manchester United Goals: 1.: 45:40min Javier Hernandez (14). 

Manchester United Team: 1 De Gea; 28 Buttner, 6 Evans, 12 Smalling, 2 Rafael; 11 Giggs (booked 41), 4 Jones (booked 71); 26 Kagawa (44 Januzaj - 73.), 10 Rooney, 17 Nani (19 Welbeck - 90.); 14 Hernandez (16 Carrick - 74.). 4-2-3-1 
Subs not used: 8 Anderson, 22 Fabio, 29 Zaha, 40 Amos. 

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 17 Sakho, 37 Skrtel, 4 Toure (booked 51.); 3 Jose Enrique, 21 Lucas (booked 39.) (34 Kelly - 67.), 12 Moses (31 Sterling - 82.), 8 Gerrard, 14 Henderson (booked 75.); 7 Suarez, 15 Sturridge. 3-5-2 
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 6 Luis Alberto, 9 Aspas, 33 Ibe, 47 Wisdom. 

BBC Match Stats: Manchester United-Liverpool 
Possession: 47%-53% 
Shots: 18-17 
On target: 4-3 
Corners: 7-11 
Fouls: 12-9 

Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Week 4: Premier League Action Summary

Sports - Football - Premier League - Action Summary - Week 4

The fourth week of action saw 10 games, 20 goals, 10 in the first half, 10 in the second half, 3 in injury time; 256 attempts, 80 on target and 98 corners; 197 fouls, 34 bookings, 1 red card, 1 penalty scored.

Most scored: At the Stadium of Light (4 goals), by Arsenal (3 goals).

Top creators: Tottenham at White Hart Lane (23 attempts, 7 on target).

Main offenders: Chelsea at Goodison Park and Newcastle at Villa Park (4 bookings each); Crystal Palace with the only sending off of the weekend at Old Trafford (Kagisho Dikgacoi).

Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace:

David Moyes recorded his first win as Manchester United manager thanks to a controversial penalty and sending off against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Ian Holloway was left fuming after Kagisho Dikgacoi was adjudged by referee Jon Moss to have fouled Ashley Young in the box and was sent off. The Eagles were unhappy with the decision arguing the offence had taken place outside the area, but Robin van Persie made no mistake and slotted in the spot-kick to make it 1-0 just before the break. Wayne Rooney doubled the score from a free kick later on in the second half after his former Evertonian team mate Marouane Fellaini was brought on to make his debut for United. All in all though, despite the score line, the Red Devils were struggling to break down their stubborn visitors, even after they were reduced to ten men. Moyes will be relieved and should feel lucky to have recorded his first three pointer from his opening three games and seen Rooney making a scoring return, especially with former boss Sir Alex Ferguson amongst the crowd and Bayer Leverkusen next on the fixture list in the Champions League.

Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle:

France midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa was scorer and provider for Newcastle to seal their second win of season by beating Aston Villa 1-2 at Villa Park. The win comes just days after manager Alan Pardew criticised the club about the lack of signings and failure to add to their squad in the summer transfer window. The only new signing Loic Remy, on a season-long loan from QPR, made an immediate impact on his debut for the visitors with some excellent work setting up Ben Arfa to open the scoring. The home side equalised after the break, Christian Benteke netting an Ashley Westwood corner. But the Magpies came back, Ben Arfa pulling a save out of Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan with a long-range effort before Yoan Gouffran was the quickest to react to net the rebound and defy Paul Lambert's men as well as their own boss.

Fulham 1-1 West Brom:

Gareth McAuley's injury time equaliser secured a point against the run of play for West Brom at Craven Cottage. Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell had given the home side the lead in the first half with a fine half-volley from a corner. The Cottagers were dominant and in control with the Baggies rarely threatening, their new £6m-striker Victor Anichebe making no real impact for the visitors. But Steve Clarke's men salvaged a point in the dying minutes when McAuley climbed highest and headed in Chris Brunt's corner, scoring his club's first Premier League goal of the season.

Hull City 1-1 Cardiff:

Premier League newcomers Hull City and Cardiff City left the KC Stadium sharing just a goal and point each in a game dominated by misses and what-ifs. Curtis Davies gave the Tigers the lead heading in Tom Huddlestone's cross after Danny Graham had missed a sitter for the home side. The Bluebirds rallied after the break and were level soon after thanks to Peter Whittingham's low-shot volley off Don Cowie's cross. Both teams went close but missed out on nicking a winner, Aron Gunnarsson heading wide for the visitors and Graham shooting wide. In the dying minutes, Graham sent a header straight into Cardiff goalkeeper Joe Lewis' gloves, epitomising his struggling form having not scored since January.

Stoke City 0-0 Manchester City:

Below-par Manchester City were lucky to escape the Britannia Stadium with a point after Stoke City missed several chances to break the deadlock and secure a third consecutive Premier League victory. Mark Hughes' men posed much more of a threat compared to a passive City side who did not make much of their possession apart from a couple of long-range shots. Jonathan Walters wasted two glorious chances for the Potters whilst Kenwyne Jones was denied by a fine Joe Hart block. The England goalkeeper was kept the busier of the two keepers and did well to deny the home side any glory, but Mauricio Pellegrini should be worried his side did not pose more of a threat. Stoke have never lost a Premier League game at home against Manchester City, recording one win and five draws in their six meetings.

Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal:

Bottom club Sunderland crumbled to yet another defeat falling 1-3 against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal debutant Mesut Ozil set up Olivier Giroud to give the Gunners an early lead before Craig Gardner levelled from the spot after the interval following Laurent Koscielny's fowl on Adam Johnson. Aaron Ramsey's double sealed the Gunners' comeback and win sending them to the top of the Premier League. Theo Walcott could have had a hat-trick in a game that could have ended so much worse for the hosts despite all controversy and protests. Black Cats manager Paulo Di Canio was in his typical temperamental rage after Jozy Altidore was denied an equaliser after referee Martin Atkinson did not play an advantage and was later sent off for his continuous protests. The American striker had wrestled himself past Bacary Sagna and squeezed a shot past Wojciech Szczesny and over the line before it was cleared, but Atkinson brought play back for a Sunderland free kick outside the box. But the controversial Italian boss cannot deny his side were dire, out-thought and out-played and are at the bottom of the Premier League for a reason.

Tottenham 2-0 Norwich:

Tottenham started life without Gareth Bale with a comfortable 2-0 home win against Norwich, Gylfi Sigurdsson scoring a goal in each half. New signing Christian Eriksen rewarded manager Andre Villas-Boas for handing him his debut creating the opening goal for Sigurdsson to turn the chance in. The Iceland international doubled the score off Paulinho and was denied a hat-trick by Canaries goalkeeper John Ruddy. The 26-year old stopper also kept Andros Townsend off the scoreboard. AVB will be more than happy with the style and comfort of the win, showing and convincing that life and football can continue for Tottenham and the club have moved on, even without their starman Bale.

Everton 1-0 Chelsea:

Roberto Martinez recorded his first Premier League win as Everton manager beating Chelsea 1-0 at Goodison Park and inflicting Jose Mourinho's first domestic defeat since his return to Roman Abramovich's club. Steven Naismith header in first-half injury time was enough to seal the deal after both Samuel Eto'o and Andre Schurrle wasted good opportunities for the visitors. Chelsea's new striker Eto'o looked goal bound when Gareth Barry intervened with a brilliant goal-saving tackle. The loan signing from Manchester City who joined the Toffees on deadline day, starred with a man-of-the-match performance sparing goalkeeper Tim Howard from embarrassment. Defiant defending and stubborn blocking, concentration and strength to the final whistle frustrated and in the end beat Mourinho's men and had Goodison Park rocking at Howard Webb's final whistle.

Southampton 0-0 West Ham:

West Ham were lucky to escape from Southampton with a point after their goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen produced one brilliant save after another. The 38-year-old kept out Dani Osvaldo, Morgan Schneiderlin, Victor Wanyama and Rickie Lambert with some splendid saves in a spectacular display in a match that was dominated by the Saints. Mauricio Pochettino's men would have been pleased with their overall performance but were left frustrated and disappointed with the result, two points dropped and failure to score. Sam Allerdyce's men meanwhile, who have now only produced six shots on target in the league and have yet to score this season, will be more than relieved and happy with the point won.

Swansea 2-2 Liverpool:

Liverpool moved back to the top of the Premier League table after an entertaining 2-2 draw against Swansea which saw former Red midfielder Jonjo Shelvey contributed to all four goals at the Liberty Stadium. The summer signing put the hosts in the lead after just 87 seconds with a nice curl into the bottom corner. But his clumsy backpass allowed Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge to fire home his fourth goal in four for the visitors four minutes later. Shelvey then made another spill to hand Victor Moses his debut goal before heading the ball on to Miguel Michu who levelled the score again. The draw put an end to Brendan Rodgers' men's 100% record as they dropped their first points against his former side but the result was still enough for them to leapfrog Arsenal and Tottenham back to the top of the Premier League. Swansea meanwhile, are 13th after recording four points from their opening four matches.