Liverpool 2 - 1 Man Utd

A flying start for United, saw new guy Dimitar Berbatov smartly pull the ball back to Carlos Tevez, who side footed it home after only three minutes.

The writing seemed to be on the wall for Liverpool whose starting line-up was weakened by the absence of Gerrard and Torres who were both on the bench. United were almost at full strength, although they are undoubtedly missing 'best in the world' Ronaldo.

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The home side equalised, after 27 minutes with a strange sort of own goal, off Wes Brown. Obviously this sort of goal is never welcome but it wasn't Brown's fault. Goalkeeper, Van der Sar, palmed a ball away, but it rebounded, off Brown, back into his own net and levelled the score for the delighted home side.

Liverpool put on a really determined performance, and seemed to neutralize Berbatov, who despite early promise did not excel later on. He had a fairly frustrating time before his transfer was finally agreed, and was perhaps a little rusty.

If there is one thing that is for sure it is that Liverpool fans never let their side down, and they were in full cry for another goal, when Babel obliged after 77 minutes. Things might have been different when the ever-reliable Ryan Giggs almost beat Reina, who rose to the occasion and just managed to tip the ball over.

Vidic was sent off for a second yellow card, after 90 minutes to add to United's frustrations. However, Liverpool worked hard and deserved their win, which was achieved with a part time Gerrard, and without Torres.

Benitez will be well pleased with his side beating their northern neighbours, but it's early days and United have the firepower to get back on top before too long.

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Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United
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Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United