Liverpool and Manchester United Balls: 43 Seconds of Steven Gerrard out-performed 45 minutes of Adam Lallana
Liverpool lost 1-2 at home to Manchester United in the Premier League. We at Anorak always like to see what the local newpapers of both sides thought of the game.
The monocular Liverpool Echo and Manchester Evening News only rate players from their own areas. The MEN says the game’s best player was Juan Mata, with an 9 out of 10.
The Liverpool Post offers no rating for the bright Mata, but does say that the best Liverpool player was Sakho, who gets a 7. It gives Adam Lallana a 4. Lallana was not out-scored by Steven Gerrard, who replaced the former Southampton star and lasted just 43 seconds before he earned a red card. Instead of the ‘0’ Gerrard should have scored, the Post offers no score. Ity then adds that Gerrard is The best player to have pulled on a Liverpool shirt – ever.
In the haste to excuse Gerrard, the Post’s man-on-the scene notes:
“Ironically, after that [the sending off] they [Liverpool] played a lot better, they were a better team today with 10 than they were with 11.”
Good old Stevie, G., who does right when he does wrong.
Elswhere the Post adds that Gerrard is “saving the fairytale for Wembley”.
As for Mata’s second of both United’s goals he scored, the MEN says:
Van Gaal had baked the cake, his side had iced it and then Mata plonked the ceremonial cherry on the top in the 59th minute. Di Maria had made onto the pitch for Ashley Young and five minutes later caressed a superb chip to Mata in the box. The midfielder executed a world class finish as he volleyed in a bicycle shot over his right shoulder. Even the watching great Pele must have bolted out of his VIP seat when that beauty flew in.
The Post is not quote so excited by every aspect of the goal, including how it was watched:
…the Argentine’s chipped pass found Mata, who steered a brilliant acrobatic effort across Mignolet and into the far corner of the net.
Posted: 22nd, March 2015 | In: Arsenal, Liverpool, Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
