Super Sunday

Super Sunday is a day that every football fan has pencilled into their diary.  Two great matches between some of the top teams in the country going head to head against each other for 90 minutes. Today saw Liverpool take on Manchester United at Anfield whilst the champions, Manchester City, played host to Arsenal at the Ethiad Stadium.

Sir Bobby Charlton and Ian Rush

It was an emotional start to the day as Liverpool vs Manchester United was the first match scheduled just days after the enquiry findings that Liverpool fans were not to blame for the  Hillsborough disaster twenty three years ago. Both sets of fans paid tribute to the 96 that lost their lives that day as 96 red balloons were released into the air by Steven Gerrard and Ryan Giggs. United legend Sir Bobby Charlton also presented Liverpool’s all-time leading goal scorer Ian Rush with a bouquet of flowers before the game.  

A great show of respect from the Anfield crowd

There was no trouble during the pre-match handshake as Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra both shook hands and there was no repercussion of last year’s antics. Suraez refused to shake the Frenchman’s hand last season at Old Trafford after being found guilty of racially abusing the United full back.

Once the game got underway, Liverpool were soon in total control and the Kop faithful let out a mighty roar in support of their team. Liverpool’s captain and talisman Steven Gerrard came close to opening the score in the first half with a shot narrowly going wide of the post from a corner kick.

Five minutes before half time, Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey made a careless tackle on the Manchester United centre half Johnny Evans and referee Mark Halsey had no option but to issue the midfielder a red card.

Shelvey receiving his red card.

Liverpool began the second half with an early goal from Steven Gerrard after some great play from the Liverpool substitute Suso out wide. Gerrard received the ball unmarked in the Manchester United penalty box and slotted the ball past Anders Lindegaard. The ten men of Liverpool fully deserved their lead.

Gerrard scores against Manchester United

Liverpool’s lead was cut short to five minutes after a curling effort shot past Pepe Reina by United’s young Brazilian full back Rafael.

Rafael celebrates his goal with Van Persie

Van Persie finished off the scoring after a late penalty was conceded by Glen Johnson. Valencia stole the ball on the halfway line after a coming together between the defensive partnership of Johnson and Agger. Johnson did well to catch up with Valencia but it was a tackle from behind inside his own box that brought down Valencia that lead to the Manchester United winner.

Manchester City were held to a one all draw at home to Arsenal after a late equaliser from Laurent Koscielny. Jolean Lescott put the champions ahead just on half time after losing his marker from a corner kick. It was an exciting game and Arsenal maintain their unbeaten run.      

Arsenal celebrate their late equaliser

Also some Breaking News has just been announced that former England Captain John Terry has retired from International duty.

John Terry on England duty