EPL 2006 - 2007: Discipline and Patience Won It For Us

How Ferguson sacrificed speed on the break for tighter defence Manchester United have been as enterprising going forward as any side this season, but on Saturday their approach was quite different. It was batten-down-the-hatches time - what we have, we hold. Their discipline was exceptional: the full-backs Gary Neville and Patrice Evra covered the centre-backs closely, and Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick never strayed forward to support United's attackers, forming a shield in front of their defence. It must be a long time since none of those four players either had a shot or made a decisive pass. In many ways United's performance replicated recent away displays at Lille, Fulham and Reading. This new template means they sit behind the ball, never conceding space, determined not to be caught on the counter, never a man short. Liverpool continuously knocked on the door, but United never lost their shape. Craig Bellamy could not find space behind the defence to run into, and Dirk Kuyt did not have a single clear chance. Liverpool, for their part, looked as firm as ever and they enjoyed most of the possession. There were half-chances: if Bellamy had been a little calmer he would have presented Kuyt with a goal, and the substitute Peter Crouch tested Edwin van der Sar. Liverpool needed United to come out of their shell. All the visitors offered, however, was occasional counter-attacking and little end-product. Ultimately their determination paid dividends. Ironically, it was the splendid Jamie Carragher's challenge on the ineffective Wayne Rooney that led to John O'Shea's introduction, and he earned United's glorious moment. United are probably, with Arsenal, the best counter-attackers in the league, but here they sacrificed that quality of quick support for midfield defensive protection. It proved successful for them in this smash and grab. Liverpool will be wounded, but they should not be seriously undermined. Barcelona are their next visitors; their spirit will be ready for the Catalans. - David Pleat, The Guardian. From Mancunian.Army If you think that we quite lucky to beat Liverpool at Anfield, think again. It's not just lucky, but first we need to have a good balance of tactical decision and patience. 2-thumb ups for Sir Alex. We often leave it till zero-hour to hurt the scousers. O'Shea did the same thing as Ferdinand's 90-minute-goal in Old Trafford last season, silenced the Kop. In our quest for 1999-Treble, Ole Gunnar Solskjær hit a shot which sent Liverpool's goalkeeper David James the wrong way to give United a 2–1 win. Solskjær's goal in the second minute of stoppage time sent Liverpool out of FA Cup and earned United fifth round match against Fulham. Enjoy the highlights below. Liverpool - Manchester United, March 3, 2007 A quick recap from a United perspective of the recent games between us and the Scousers. References: football.guardian, wikipedia.org, youtube.com