Juan Mata rekindled his old flame that made the fans’ favorite at the Stamford Bridge to score a brace after a shocking red card for substitute Steven Gerrard less than a minute into his appearance, and Manchester United buoyed its place in the Champions League race by beating fifth-place Liverpool 2-1.
Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera bossed the midfield in the first half, leading to Mata’s opener before 15 minutes and causing Brendan Rodgers to shore up his midfield at halftime. But bringing Gerrard on proved costly, as the legendary Red had an uncharacteristic moment of blinding idiocy when he stamped on Herrera, causing Atkinson to send him to the showers just 48 seconds after coming on.
The teams began both promising on the attacking end but both sloppy there as well, ending many bright attacks. But despite Philippe Coutinho‘s impressive start, it would be Manchester United to take the initiative early.
Ander Herrera put through a brilliant through ball up the pitch to Mata, and the Spaniard torched Alberto Moreno down the flank to the ball. Mata struck the ball on his right foot and cut it across the face of goal, past Simon Mignolet and tucked into the far post for the opening goal on 14 minutes.
The visitors continued to press very high up the field, causing numerous Liverpool turnovers in the middle third. Phil Jones was lucky before the half-hour mark to get off without a booking after crunching into Adam Lallana, leaving his England teammate in a heap. Lallana stayed on, but it may have affected him. On 35 minutes, Sturridge laid off to Lallana wide open at the top of the box for Liverpool’s best chance yet, but he slammed it wide left with just De Gea to beat.
A blistering strike from distance from Michael Carrick would wrap up the first half, with Manchester United firmly on top tactically. To fill his midfield, Brendan Rodgers brought on Gerrard to replace Lallana who could not continue after his earlier thumping knock. Seemingly a positive substitution, it would change things in a completely unexpected manner.
Shockingly, after just 48 seconds on the field, Gerrard was sent off by Martin Atinkson, a straight red card for stamping Herrera on the leg following a solid tackle. For all the glittering compliments Gerrard has received this season – his last in the Premier League – it was completely out of character, and he walked off shaking his head.
The Rainbow/ NBC Sports
