Liverpool blast Manchester United at Old Trafford 4-1

Liverpool blasted Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday 4-1 and drawing to within four points of the leaders for the EPL title. Fresh off their drubbing of Real Madrid in the Champions League, Liverpool hardly missed a beat.  Once thought to be uncatchable, now United has to have a little doubt in their minds as the large lead they once held narrows.  A Chelsea win over Tottenham would also pull them to within four of United. 

It was a good start for the leaders as Park earned a penalty in the 21st minute as he got behind the Liverpool defense on a counter attack and Reina dropped him with a clumsy challenge.  Cristiano Ronaldo netted the penalty and it looked like Manchester United were on their way.

Usually solid center back Vidic made the mistake that allowed Liverpool to even the match as he completely misplayed a longball allowing Torres to slip in and finish.   It was only the start of a nightmare evening for Vidic as the crafty Torres would get the better of him all afternoon.  Just before halftime Liverpool would grab the lead as Steven Gerrard got loose in the box and was fouled.  Gerrard would convert the penalty himself giving Liverpool a 2-1 halftime lead.

The defining play of the match would come in the 77th minute and once again it was Vidic involved.  Gerrard was on the run and Vidic dragged him down as the last man.  An easy send off decision from the referee and Vidic sees the redcard. Man U had already used all three of their subs and were left in disarray.  The resulting freekick was taken wonderfully by Fabio Aurelio as he curled it in for the safe 3-1 lead.   The final insult would come in the 90th minute when a longball from Reina finds sub Andrea Dossena who pops it over van der Sar for the 4th and final goal.

Manchester United still has a solid lead in the EPL standings, but one must wonder if a little doubt starts to creep in after such a humiliating loss on their home pitch.