(Liverpool - Gerrard) > Manchester United

The game kicked off with both sides looking strong. Liverpool was trying to avoid fifth consecutive defeat. It looked difficult on paper but not in the field. In fact Liverpool won both home and away against Manchester United last season and this was a consecutive third win against them in the Premiership.

Benitez was not even sure that Torres would start. It was in the bus towards Anfield that he gained confidence over his fitness and decided to let him play, Benitez later said in the press conference after the game where he looked very happy. Torres was not 100% fit but sometimes 80% of Torres is enough to make the difference, he further added.

Gerrard was not playing a part as he was injured. It seemed almost impossible for Liverpool to make it without Gerrard. But the game was important for every player and all the fans of Liverpool.

There was no genuine attack from United in the first half while Liverpool had already threatened Van Der Saar with Aurelio's free kick and Kuyt's effort. United were always second best in the game but they were attacking time and again. Liverpool's loose defense which has always been criticized this season looked unbreakable this time. The game got more and more interesting as the first half ended 0-0.

The heat didn't slide down as the second half started. Both defense were hard to break but in the 65th minute, a brilliant pass from Benayoun took Torres into the six yard box with Ferdinand chasing him in vain. The final touch was so brilliant that it left Van Der Saar looking at the ball swish past him into the back of the net. With one goal lead, Liverpool looked stronger than ever attacking the ball. United tried to prove that they were as much in the game when the kick from Valencia struck the cross bar and went out of play for a throw in. Vidic was sent off third time in a row against Liverpool with a second yellow card when he obstructed Kuyt which otherwise would have been a wonderful chance for Liverpool to double the tally. Towards the end of the game Torres was replaced by nGog as Torres was to be saved from being futher injured. Liverpool were successful in defending the one goal lead perfectly frustrating the United players. In the extra time Mascherano was also sent off for a challenge against Van Der Saar outside the D-box. In the end of the five minutes extra time nGog scored doubling the tally through a brilliant counter attack to seal the victory.

It was a perfect Sunday match to celebrate a victory for the Reds fans. Benitez's job was believed to be on the rocks with the poorest form in years. But he proved that his team is capable of doing anything at any amount of pressure.

It was a great victory indicating Red's return in the season. They will prove themselves well ahead.

Should he be sacked?

Liverpool are in the poorest form in 22 years. Four successive defeats, two in Champions League and two in the Premiership. They are in the eighth position with 15 points from possible 27 and in the Champions League Group E, they are in the third position with three points from possible nine. This is the worst position that I have seen since I supported Liverpool.

20 years since the Premiership title was won and last season Liverpool were closest in years. Everyone was hoping high about this season. But they gave a bad start with two early losses. Hopes were still alive when Liverpool bounced back, but now the losing streak doesn't seem come to an end. With Gerrard and Torres injured, the games seemed nothing like Liverpool. The loss of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid during transfers seem to have struck hard on Liverpool this time. Though the void was filled by signing Aquilani from Roma, he hasn't debuted yet with knee injury that seems to have taken quite longer time to change Liverpool's fate.

Besides that, there are tactical problems I see. Analysing the games, whenever Rafa has played Gerrard upfront depending on Lucas for the midfield, Liverpool has lost games. Gerrard is such player who can manipulate the ball from his own D-Box to the back of the net of the opponent. He has the ability to drive the whole team if he is played in the midfield. He can support Carragher in defense and Torres up front. But when he is played at the front, he has little role in manipulating the game. Most of the time he is idle waiting for the ball to reach him which never happens. Benayoun is one impressive player who has given 100% in all games that he plays. But Rafa has other options and keeps him on bench. Riera is very witty with the ball. He can fool three defenders at a time, but he is kept on the bench. Lucas should be the last option in the midfield but he always starts and keeps losing possession.

Keeping these things in mind and if Rafa does not change his tactics, in my opinion, he should leave Liverpool alone.