Liverpool still on track for the league

Debuts for Sulky-smooth and Riera went better for the Spaniard

Liverpool beat the old Red Menace 2-1 in the early Saturday fixture- a great way to kick off the weekend.   Berbatov cut back a nice pass that found Tevez totally unmarked and making no mistake; his countryman and friend Javier Mascherano didn't seem to realize the kickoff had happened two minutes prior.  This woke up our Reds, and United's early domination waned.  Liverpool continued to up the tempo and control the center of the park.

Wes Brown, who struck with a goal labeled "reverse flying salmon" by a Wicked Deflection staff writer on the OT leg of this fixture last season, was unfortunate to have Van Der Sar's clearance come off him and into the goal.  Unlucky for United.

The second half saw a continuation of the first, with Berbatov occasionally reminding the fans that he was there by struggling with a slight knee problem.  Riera, meanwhile, continued his first-half theme of creating problems for Wes Brown, running at him with the ball and beyond toward the corner flag, then shaping in beautiful crosses.  This player has already endeared himself to fans and looks to be a brilliant signing.  We finally have a proper winger who stays on the touchline. 

Late-on, substitute Ryan Giggs thought he was sheparding a ball out of bounds, but Mascherano continued to rampage around the park and drew the ball back to an oncoming (and pesky) Dirk Kuyt.  Kuyt made no mistake to cut it back to his countryman Babel, who had come on for Riera (exiting to a standing-ovation).  Babel continued his role as Super Sub by calmly side-footing the ball into the back of the net in front of the Kop, driving supporters on and off the pitch into a frenzy (Keane spent a good deal of time taking a piggy-back ride in celebration).

The result was assured when Vidic, who had been pushing forward in hopes of an equalizer, committed his second yellow-card offense by clattering over Alonso.  Alonso went down like he was shot by a sniper, but it was a clear foul.  One could have argued that his first deserved red anyway, as he appeared to be the last man back when he tripped/rugby tackled Robbie Keane.

Gerrard came on to little effect near the 70th minute; he was surplus to requirements as Alonso and Mascherano where everywhere.  Torres remained available on the bench but didn't feature.  Points secure, Liverpool continued to look for a third until the whistle blew.  Massive morale result, three points against huge rivals, a great debut for Our New Winger, and all this without Torres (and with very little Gerrard).  Brilliant!  Now on to the Champions League tie against Marseille.