Arch Rivals Manchester United and Liverpool started this Old Trafford encounter at breakneck speed with Fernando Torres putting the visitors ahead inside five minutes with a header from just inside the six yard area. Then just a few minutes later Javier Mascherano was adjudged to have taken down Luis Antonio Valencia in the box and Wayne Rooney put away the penalty rebound after Pepe Reina had saved the initial spot kick excellently.
The rest of the first half saw some bad challenges from both sides and both sides were lucky to remain with eleven men as they went in for the half-time break. Manchester United came out after the break with the greater impetus and Ji Sung Park put away a diving header to give the Premier League champions all three points.
Rafa Benitez will take his side back to Anfield wondering what might have been but at the same time will have noted the distinct lack of clear cut chances his side created. They must now regroup and attempt to clinch that crucial top four finish.
Sir Alex Ferguson on the other hand will be pleased as punch to have seen his side come from behind to secure a win against a Liverpool side who had defeated three times in a row. The win puts Manchester United back to the top of the table.
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Ajax continued their fine run of form to slaughter bottom of the table RKC on their own turf. The win sees the Amsterdam side leapfrog over PSV into second spot and within touching distance of FC Twente.
Hugo Rodallega scored an absolutely priceless last minute winner to give the Latics three points in this six pointer at the DW Stadium. Burnley and Wigan appeared to be heading towards a stalemate that would have suited the Clarets but up popped Colombian Rodallega to put away his ninth goal of the season and helped Roberto Martinez’s side move seven points clear of the relegation zone.
West Brom moved to within two points of Newcastle United after edging past Preston in this topsy turvy encounter at the Hawthorns.
The first half produced five goals as both defences found it hard to establish some solidity. Ben Watson and Chris Brunt put the Baggies two goals to the good only for Sean St Ledger to pull a goal back. Much admired West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans then restored the home sides lead only for Neil Mellor to score just before the break.
The second half saw Roberto Di Matteo’s side hold firm for all three points and sees them open up an eight point lead over third placed Nottingham Forest.
Inter Milan’s run of poor domestic form continued as they failed to secure victory over Palermo and therefore gave their rivals Roma and AC Milan a good chance to make up ground.