Great result for the Rafa, the Red men and for us. Hopefully this will silence all the Rafa (even Lucas and Carra) bashers and critics. We were all over them most, if not, all of the game something every one of us can be very proud of considering the form we were in prior to the game.The game started with Man United beaming full of confidence and surely everyone expected them to give Liverpool a tough time, who have had many below-par performances.
One of the positives I can firstly take out of the game is the fans. Even though we have lost 4 games on the trot, Kopites sang their hearts out. The atmosphere couldn't have been better even before the game kicked-off. Best fans in the world, enough said. Now, Anfield will always give shivers to those who don't believe in it.
Next, Pepe Reina, he was spot on in front of goal and made the right decisions. His celebration of N'gog's goal shows what that goal and win meant to him, the team, the fans and Rafa. Well in, Pepe.
Carragher and Agger (Johnson and Insua too) - What a breathtaking display from our two centre-backs who started the game. They showed commitment and didn't take no prisoners. They jumped into tackles and made important blocks. No more Great Finn? We've got a great Dane now! Welcome back, Daniel lad. I'd like to give special mention to Carra, he blocked Carrick's burst into the box, he blocked Shrek's shot on goal, he prevented Nani from having ago just before our 2nd goal and he put on a fantastic display to silence his critics. Carra's past it? No, never, not yet. He may have been lucky to stay on the pitch when he brought Judas down but whatever it is, he was the difference at the back. Great display from the stand-in captain.
Mascherano and Lucas - Their best performance as a pair to date. Again, both showed passion, determinantion and commitment. I was very,very impressed with both of them. While Masch was breaking down plays at the back, Lucas was constantly bursting forward at the other end - not once, not twice, but many times. So, where are all the Lucas bashers now? He played a part in both the goals, coolly finding Benayoun for Torres' goal and setting up N'gog for his. The bit where both of them put pressure on Nani and immediately close down van der Sar shows true hunger, passion and determination. Not only that, Lucas even stole the ball off one of the most experienced players on the field, Paul Scholes. Well done to both and I hope they keep that up.
Kuyt and Aurelio. Both worked really hard with Fabio having like 3 chances in the first half. Kuyt closed down quickly and though he had chances to score and couldn't take them due to his poor touches, he'd remain an important player for us. Also played a part in both the goals.
Fernando Torres - Best striker in the world. Made Vidic look like a school boy and I'm sure Vidic is dreading facing him again. Showd what a true quality striker has - one chance, one well taken goal. Did brilliantly to hold of the most expensive defender in the world and known for his pace - Rio Ferdinand. Not only that, I really enjoyed his celebration too. Kudos to Nando, proved that 30 millino strikers aren't better than 20 million ones.
David N'gog - Young and doesn't not look strong enough for the league maybe but certainly did well against a team like Man United. Stole the ball off Giggs and scored a well-taken placed shot to get my prediction right
King Kenny, Didi Hamann and Sami Hyypia - Was great to see them back in Anfield. Three legends who have left Liverpool but never let Liverpool leave their heart. Nice to see the mutual relationship between former players and the club so strong. Well in, legends.
And finally, Rafa Benitez. I never doubted his abilities. I always thought he was the right man even during the last 4 games we lost. When we're under pressure and being in a bad run of form, this man, is the man who would get us out of it. Thanks , Rafa. Congratulations on your 200th win. Only King Kenny bests you
Put all of them together and what you get is a great performance from every single player who donned the Red shirt in front of the Kop. Everyone would have been men-of-the-match. Fantastic result capped by a fantastic performance from the team even without Steven Gerrard. Let's hope this kick starts our season, again. Let us show the world what we are made off by putting on a winning streak and unbeaten run like how we ended 2008/2009. Like the verses say, "At the end of the storm, there's a Golden sky". Let's just hope the sky is much more golden come May '10.