March 6, 2011 - Liverpool vs Manchester Utd.: 3:1 - King Kuyt Hat-Trick!!!!! Red Devils & Nani Crashed HARD!

LFC Player of the Game: King Kuyt + Luiz Suarez

Game Summary:

Liverpool was well rested with one full week of rest before facing their bitterest rivalry as the Reds were determined to take hard revenge against the Red Devils for the 0-1 loss in the FA Cup 3rd round which knocked the Reds out from FA Cup a month ago. With Kelly and Agger still out, the partnership of Carragher and Skrtel in the central of defense never give me confidence. The unfortunate injury of Auerlio during the early minutes had ironically solidified the Reds defense as it pushed King Kenny to play Kyrgiakos in CB with Carragher switched as RB and Johnson to fill the void in LB for Auerlio. It avoided Ferguson's troop to attack LFC weakness by adopting ariel attack led by Berbetov without defensive protection as Kyrgiakos' strength in defending header has always bailed LFC out against ariel attack and headers. In all honesty, Liverpool was extremely fortunate to face United without their leading CB Vidic, Ferdinand and Evans. Smalling and Brown were never capable of containing the sensational Suarez, who had produced a super-star performance throughout the game with his sizzling dribble, clever movement and flair which had all been missing elements in LFC games for over two decades! Kuyt may have stolen the headline for his first hat-trick in his Reds career. Kuyt's hard work had paid-off in this important encounter as he had produced a "Gary Lineker-like" performance with all 3 goals scored within 3 yards out! In fact, Liverpool had never have any player scored a hat-trick vs United since Peter Beardsley more than 20 years ago! Kuyt was striker by nature, but he had been transformed into a right wing to accommodate Torres' lone-strike game since El Nino's arrival. Now with Torres gone, Kuyt could be given more chances to play as striker again as both Carroll and Suarez can play with a striking partner. Although Kuyt had scored all 3 goals, Suarez was instrumental in all 3 goals. Who can forget the opening goal when Suarez dribbled past three United players before sliding a half-shot past Van Der Sar. Even without Kuyt stole his goal, Suarez's slow shots could also have gone into the net. With Carroll finally recovered and made his awaited debut in 2nd half and took little time to make his presence felt with his aerial power and strength, the long anticipated striking partnership of Carroll and Suarez could soon be materialized. By then, LFC faithful should say "Fernando Who?"

Starting line-up: (4-3-1-2)

Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Auerlio

Gerrard Lucas Maxi

Meireles

Kuyt Suarez

Goals: Kuyt '34, '39, '65