Premier League Match-Up

            Big games happened across Europe today as Manchester United took on Liverpool and Barcelona faced Real Madrid. To start, it was an important battle in the Premier League, and two top teams were looking to better each other and get a leg up in the league. From the very beginning, United looked to be the better team, taking the lead early at just 14 minutes. Juan Mata was able to capitalize on a precise through ball by Ander Herrera. Also on the United side, Mata again scored off of a fine scissor kick from a ball played by Angel Di Maria. Overall, Manchester United proved to be proficient in their attacking, making use of their opportunities.

            Things were much different on the Liverpool side of the game, and it showed in the final score. Shortly before halftime, Adam Lallana found the ball inside the box and was given the opportunity to bring his team level with United, but he failed to convert and Liverpool went into the half down a point. Things didn’t brighten up much after the break either. Halftime substitute Gerrard lasted less than a minute before being sent off with a straight red card for stomping on United’s Ander Herrera. They were able to make a small, final fight back at United as Daniel Sturridge snuck one in late in the game.

            United played a good game, and they were the obvious winners. Going forward, this game may prove to be very important to the title race, putting Manchester United ahead and dropping Liverpool. As to Liverpool’s performance, they hurt themselves and could’ve (and should’ve) played much better. They were not able to finish opportunities that they were given, and frustration definitely built up and impacted their performance. It is impossible for Gerrard’s sending off to not have any influence on the team, and his actions were very poor. I can understand getting carried away with a tackle and getting a yellow card, and that’s all part of the game. Getting sent off for violent conduct against another player is much different, however, and it really just makes you and your team look and play much worse. Gerrard lost his professional legitimacy on that occasion in my opinion, and it may have sealed the deal of his team’s loss. Either way, it certainly didn’t help, and United were by far more professional and better in every way.