VAN THE MAN ... Robin van Persie salutes the Old Trafford crowd after scoring against Liverpool
Published: 1 hr ago
ROBIN VAN PERSIE scored yet again as Manchester United held on to edge past arch-rivals Liverpool.
The Dutchman tucked away Patrice Evra’s cross to give the hosts the lead in a one-sided first half.
It became two shortly after the break when Evra’s header flicked in off Nemanja Vidic.
But Brendan Rodgers’ Reds fought back through sub Daniel Sturridge and the former Chelsea striker missed a chance to level late on.
The Red Devils’ ninth win in 10 league games keeps them comfortably ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
While Liverpool remain eighth having not beaten a side in the top half all campaign.
LOOK JOSE HERE ... Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho watches from the stands
The Old Trafford clash got off to a subdued start with Liverpool’s defence keeping Van Persie at bay.
But the former Arsenal hitman can only be kept quiet for so long and he brought the game to life after 19 minutes.
STERLING WORK ... Rafael is closed down by Raheem Sterling
Evra crossed for Van Persie who took one step back to lose Daniel Agger and then slotted past Pepe Reina with ease for his 17th league goal of the season.
He nearly made it two after Ashley Young’s pass but he skied his first-time strike.
ROBIN RELIANT ... Robin van Persie gets ahead of Daniel Agger to score for United
Joe Allen put his defence in all sorts of bother after a misplaced pass sent Danny Welbeck clear but Agger was able to block his strike.
The England striker hit another effort over before Liverpool had their first half chance which Luis Suarez volleyed clear of the bar.
PERSECUTOR ... Robin van Persie celebrates his opener with team-mates
Tom Cleverley came close with a wonderful volley of his own at the other end before Martin Skrtel cleared Van Persie’s flick off the line after Rafael got clear of Glen Johnson.
Sturridge was brought on for Lucas at half-time and Andre Wisdom had an early chance but he slipped and sliced wide when played through by Suarez.
HEAD BOY ... Patrice Evra heads towards goal for United's second
Then it was United who doubled their lead — Evra getting ahead of Johnson from Van Persie’s free-kick and his header touched Vidic’s forehead and went in.
It appeared game over but Steven Gerrard brought the Reds back to life with a fine strike from the edge of the box which was well saved by David De Gea before being tapped in by Sturridge.
HAPPILY EVRA AFTER ... Patrice Evra celebrates United's second goal
Shinji Kagawa tried to restore the hosts’ two-goal lead but Reina beat away his fierce drive.
But it was Sturridge who had the best chance late on when the ball fell to him in the box – only for the £12million new boy to fire well over.
STURRDY START ... Daniel Sturridge runs off after scoring on his Reds' Premier League debut
FULL MATCH REPORT & DREAM TEAM RATINGS TO FOLLOW LATER
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4741880/Man-Utd-2-1-Liverpool-Match-report-pictures-and-video-highlights.html#ixzz2HsMgmdRP
