Kenny Dalglish endured a frustrating return to the dugout today as we suffered a controversial 1-0 defeat against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford.
The game was overshadowed by Howard Webb, who - most nuetrals will agree - made 2 game changing decisions that - as he is so often known for - went in the favour of Manchester United. The first, was a penalty awarded to Manchester United's Berbatov in the first minute, as he seemingly tripped over thin air, and the second, Steven Gerrard's sending off, which - although less contriversial and more room for debate - seemed to be more of a yellow card offence.
The Reds gave a good account of themselves in the second period but despite some magnificent support from the travelling Kop they could not find the breakthrough to force a replay.
It means our hopes of a first-ever visit to new Wembley will have to wait for another year while Dalglish and co will now turn their attention to Wednesday's trip to Blackpool and the small matter of next weekend's Merseyside derby with Everton.
Liverpool had gone into the Old Trafford encounter on the crest of a wave after a busy weekend had begun with an impressive Youth Cup victory over Crystal Palace and the sensational news that King Kenny would replace the departing Roy Hodgson in the hot-seat.
It led to a stark contrast in the mood of the supporters who had exited Ewood Park with their heads bowed in dejection following a midweek loss at Blackburn. Instead, 9000 members of the travelling Kop arrived in Manchester hopeful that their Messiah could inspire a sudden upturn in fortunes.
However, within 90 seconds of the third round's stand-out fixture, the visitors found themselves behind.
A long ball over the top sent Dimitar Berbatov racing into the right-hand side of the Liverpool penalty area. The Bulgarian side stepped Daniel Agger with some neat control and when the Dane left a leg hanging, referee Howard Webb was left with a decision to make.
After a moment's hesitation the official pointed to the spot, much to the surprise of the visiting players who could only watch on as Giggs stepped up to emphatically beat Pepe Reina with a well taken spot-kick.
The Reds looked to respond immediately and carved out an opportunity just two minutes later when Fernando Torres miscued his effort from the edge of the box.
Having returned from Dubai less than 24 hours earlier it would have been difficult for Dalglish to have made any true imprint upon the team, but as the adrenalin of a cup clash with one of their biggest rivals surged through their veins, there seemed to be an extra spring in their step.
First Maxi Rodriguez stung the fingertips of Tomasz Kuszczak before Martin Kelly saw his marauding run and cross end in a superb near post clearance by a United defender. Gerrard then fired over before the captain suffered a lapse in composure that would prove pivotal in the outcome of the game.
The No.8 caught Carrick with a challenge that led the United players to surround Webb in fury. The official took time to consider his options before giving Gerrard his marching orders. The straight red means he will now miss the next three matches, including the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
It also left Dalglish's men with a mountain to climb and they were grateful not to be two behind at the interval when a Jonny Evans header crashed back off Reina's right-hand post deep into first-half injury time.
The Reds needed to stay solid if they were to maintain hope of getting back into the game and they were made to ride their luck at times as the hosts swarmed forward after the restart.
First Javier Hernandez glanced a Darren Fletcher cross just off target before Patrice Evra had half-hearted claims for a penalty when he was shrugged off the ball by Agger.
The chances continued to fall for the home side but the change in the mood amongst Liverpool fans was perhaps best illustrated when Berbatov fizzed a shot just over the top. A chorus of 'Dalglish' rocked the foundations of Old Trafford to the core and was shortly followed by a rendition of the Torres 'bounce.'
Indeed, but for the scoreboard it would have been difficult to work out which side was at home and who was actually winning.
As the hour mark approached Liverpool finally had a sight of goal as Torres smashed a long range shot against a defender following a clever knock down from Kuyt.
This seemed to be the cue for Dalglish to assess his options, with Ryan Babel and Jonjo Shelvey introduced for Maxi and Meireles.
The Dutch forward almost made an instant impact too, forcing a low save out of Kuszczak after his initial run down the left had caused the United defence problems.
The home side appeared anxious despite their man advantage and when Kuszack produced a into a more difficult save to keep out Fabio Aurelio's a delicate free-kick just moments later, a renewed belief energised the Liverpool players.
However, there was always a danger United could kill the game on the counter attack and on 68 minutes Reina produced string of stops that illustrated just why he is touted as the best 'keeper in the business.
The Spaniard denied Nani twice before keeping out Berbatov and Evra as Dalglish's side survived a goalmouth melee.
With the clock ticking down it became clear United would see out the game, but there had been many positives for King Kenny to take from his side's second-half showing and if lady luck had been smiling kindly on his charges, then Babel's header from Kelly's cross would have dropped inside the post and not just wide of it.
YNWA
The game was overshadowed by Howard Webb, who - most nuetrals will agree - made 2 game changing decisions that - as he is so often known for - went in the favour of Manchester United. The first, was a penalty awarded to Manchester United's Berbatov in the first minute, as he seemingly tripped over thin air, and the second, Steven Gerrard's sending off, which - although less contriversial and more room for debate - seemed to be more of a yellow card offence.
The Reds gave a good account of themselves in the second period but despite some magnificent support from the travelling Kop they could not find the breakthrough to force a replay.
It means our hopes of a first-ever visit to new Wembley will have to wait for another year while Dalglish and co will now turn their attention to Wednesday's trip to Blackpool and the small matter of next weekend's Merseyside derby with Everton.
Liverpool had gone into the Old Trafford encounter on the crest of a wave after a busy weekend had begun with an impressive Youth Cup victory over Crystal Palace and the sensational news that King Kenny would replace the departing Roy Hodgson in the hot-seat.
It led to a stark contrast in the mood of the supporters who had exited Ewood Park with their heads bowed in dejection following a midweek loss at Blackburn. Instead, 9000 members of the travelling Kop arrived in Manchester hopeful that their Messiah could inspire a sudden upturn in fortunes.
However, within 90 seconds of the third round's stand-out fixture, the visitors found themselves behind.
A long ball over the top sent Dimitar Berbatov racing into the right-hand side of the Liverpool penalty area. The Bulgarian side stepped Daniel Agger with some neat control and when the Dane left a leg hanging, referee Howard Webb was left with a decision to make.
After a moment's hesitation the official pointed to the spot, much to the surprise of the visiting players who could only watch on as Giggs stepped up to emphatically beat Pepe Reina with a well taken spot-kick.
The Reds looked to respond immediately and carved out an opportunity just two minutes later when Fernando Torres miscued his effort from the edge of the box.
Having returned from Dubai less than 24 hours earlier it would have been difficult for Dalglish to have made any true imprint upon the team, but as the adrenalin of a cup clash with one of their biggest rivals surged through their veins, there seemed to be an extra spring in their step.
First Maxi Rodriguez stung the fingertips of Tomasz Kuszczak before Martin Kelly saw his marauding run and cross end in a superb near post clearance by a United defender. Gerrard then fired over before the captain suffered a lapse in composure that would prove pivotal in the outcome of the game.
The No.8 caught Carrick with a challenge that led the United players to surround Webb in fury. The official took time to consider his options before giving Gerrard his marching orders. The straight red means he will now miss the next three matches, including the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
It also left Dalglish's men with a mountain to climb and they were grateful not to be two behind at the interval when a Jonny Evans header crashed back off Reina's right-hand post deep into first-half injury time.
The Reds needed to stay solid if they were to maintain hope of getting back into the game and they were made to ride their luck at times as the hosts swarmed forward after the restart.
First Javier Hernandez glanced a Darren Fletcher cross just off target before Patrice Evra had half-hearted claims for a penalty when he was shrugged off the ball by Agger.
The chances continued to fall for the home side but the change in the mood amongst Liverpool fans was perhaps best illustrated when Berbatov fizzed a shot just over the top. A chorus of 'Dalglish' rocked the foundations of Old Trafford to the core and was shortly followed by a rendition of the Torres 'bounce.'
Indeed, but for the scoreboard it would have been difficult to work out which side was at home and who was actually winning.
As the hour mark approached Liverpool finally had a sight of goal as Torres smashed a long range shot against a defender following a clever knock down from Kuyt.
This seemed to be the cue for Dalglish to assess his options, with Ryan Babel and Jonjo Shelvey introduced for Maxi and Meireles.
The Dutch forward almost made an instant impact too, forcing a low save out of Kuszczak after his initial run down the left had caused the United defence problems.
The home side appeared anxious despite their man advantage and when Kuszack produced a into a more difficult save to keep out Fabio Aurelio's a delicate free-kick just moments later, a renewed belief energised the Liverpool players.
However, there was always a danger United could kill the game on the counter attack and on 68 minutes Reina produced string of stops that illustrated just why he is touted as the best 'keeper in the business.
The Spaniard denied Nani twice before keeping out Berbatov and Evra as Dalglish's side survived a goalmouth melee.
With the clock ticking down it became clear United would see out the game, but there had been many positives for King Kenny to take from his side's second-half showing and if lady luck had been smiling kindly on his charges, then Babel's header from Kelly's cross would have dropped inside the post and not just wide of it.
YNWA
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