The subtext was Luis Suarez watching from the stand with Patrice Evra getting booed by the Anfield crowd and all the lovely chanting between the two sets of fans about the existence of racism. At the end, the Reds had the greater satisfaction of beating Utd, the second Manchester club to suffer at their hands in three days. Andy Carroll, the subject of a transfer deal that would see him relocate to City in exchange for Carlos Tevez, created both goals. The first time effectively cornering David De Gea (Yes, he was back. No, he wasn't much better) with his physical strength for the leaping Daniel Agger to head from a corner.
Utd answered through Park Ji Sung's first time shot from Rafael's cross after the Brazilian blistered down the right channel. Utd dominated possession with Valencia continuing his impressive form after he jinked his way muscularly for a golden opportunity to possibly end the match but his smashed shot hit the upright. The script said Liverpool would run out late winners and so it happened as Pepe Reina's goalkick was flicked beautifully forward by Carroll through a seam and Dirk Kuyt running free to the left of De Gea was able to finish well. The good vibes returned to the Kop after victories over City and now Utd.
Liverpool march onto the 5th round while Utd crash out of yet another competition and now only have the Premiership left to possibly add to their Community Shield silverware.
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