Manchester United 2 Liverpool 2
A glorious hat trick from Dimitar Berbatov gave Manchester United a fully deserved win against Liverpool.
The Bulgarian striker scored either side of half time, including a stunning overhead kick to mark his second goal.
Liverpool were thrown a lifeline by lapse’s in United’s defence as Steven Gerrard scored twice in six minutes midway through the second half.
The first coming from the penalty spot and the second a free kick from 20-yards, both as a result of fouls on Fernando Torres, to give the Reds hope of an unlikely point.
But, Berbatov had the final say, scoring his and United’s third with a towering header with six minutes remaining.
United were dominant throughout the match but it was poor defending once again that threatened to undo all of the good work from Berbatov and others.
The home side took the lead with three minutes of the first half remaining, when Berbatov pounced on poor marking at a set piece.
Striker Torres was at fault, losing Berbatov in the battle to make contact with Ryan Giggs’ corner and the Bulgarian headed past Pepe Reina.
Berbatov’s second was a stunner. A cross from Nani went behind him, but the striker brought the ball under control and fired in an overhead which went in off the underside of the bar.
Liverpool were given hope after 64 minutes when Jonny Evans fouled Torres in the area, allowing Gerrard to convert from the penalty spot.
Roy Hodgson’s side were back on level terms just six minutes later when John O’Shea was booked for fouling Torres on the edge of the area.
Gerrard directed a his free kick through a gap in United’s wall and past the despairing Edwin van der Sar.
Berbatov completed his treble after 84 minutes when he headed United back in front, outjumping Jamie Carragher to glance a cross from O’Shea’s into Liverpool’s goal.
