Liverpool prove they are the better team; Man U prove they are the more clinical team

by Alastair Su

OKKKK, before I get flamed for this by ragy Man U fans, let’s examine the evidence first – shall we?

Steven Gerrard: the Jarvin of LFC

This season, Liverpool first beat Man U first at Anfield. After conceding to a Tevez goal, they came back with an equaliser before half time and finished the game off to make it 2 1. Man U never really looked like they were coming back. Liverpool were superior tactically; controlling possession, starving Man U of any real goal-scoring chances.

Tonight, they repeated that feat but even more emphatically – beating Man U not only on their home turf, but with a 4 1 scoreline. Again, Liverpool ceded to Ronaldo goal but came back with two goals in the first half. This prompted Man U to stretch their team to win the equalizer in the second. Liverpool then preyed on the weak nerves of O’Shea and Vidic to force more mistakes, and score two more goals.

I don’t care what you say, but this proves that THIS season, Liverpool are the better team. I’ve long held to the thesis that Man U’s midfield, while highly respectable, isn’t as good as the wonder days of Giggs/Scholes/Keane/Beckham. I’m not sure why people look upon them with such fear. I look upon Ronaldo and Rooney with fear (esp. Ronaldo’s abs), but Carrick? Anderson? Good, but not world-class. Certainly not up to Man U’s high standards. Anyway, I feel I got vindicated today. In the second half, when it was Man U’s turn to score, the lack of a cutting edge was so apparent; Liverpool swallowed up every attack Man U threw at them. Then Vidic decided to emo out, and cost them the game.

BUT, having said this, Man U still sit 4 points on top of them with a game-in-hand as well. This proves that they are the more clinical team. One thing I’ve come to really respect about Man U is their ruthlessness – their ability to finish off games and punish teams that make mistakes. Liverpool have always lacked this mental edge – able to dominate tactically, but unable to finish. Hence, while they’ve only loss to a few teams this season, they’ve chocked up an incredible amount of draws. And as much as I’ve critcized their midfielders, I do agree with Ethan’s assertion that for all the flair they lack, they make it up with a killer mentality.

Of course, you may argue that “better” is such a subjective word – if Man U are more clinical, doesn’t that make them better? Well, here’s a simple definition: a team that is able to beat the other 6 2 on aggregate should be labeled the better team. That’s my opinion though If you feel this is cheap rationalization, I won’t hold anything against you.

I’m not sure where this result takes the league from here. I’m hoping for my Guardian Angel Theory to back me – this week has all the brewings of a fairy tale season for Liverpool, all it takes now is a little luck now, and a lot of hard work. Also, the Title would just vindicate this article completely.

YNWA (except if you’re a supporter of Leek Town F.C. Then, you’re pretty much alone.)

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