United Strengthens Top Four Position, Gerrard Sees Red

The digital clock by the corner of the Kop had not been restarted for the second half. So, you could say that for Steven Gerrard's moment of madness time really did stand still. His stamp on Ander Herrera will remain unexplained on his final appearance against Manchester United.

Gerrard will take little consolation from the fact that his team played better without him. It was testament to the will of this Liverpool team that despite falling two goals behind they were still in this game right to the end.

United won thanks to two superb goals from Juan Mata--the second an air Mata--the second an airborne volley. Wayne Rooney missed from the penalty spot in time added to add to the drama of a the occasion.

While Mata's brilliance was undeniable, there were many times when United relied on the muscle and the heading ability of Marouane Fellaini to get them through. There is a strange mix of styles at play in Louis Van Gaal's team, from the pitter-patter of Mata and Herrera to the blunt instrument that is the towering Belgian midfielder.

United did not create many chances, but the one in which they scored from was easily the best move of an inelegant first half. Fellaini found Herrera and he played his pass into the right channel. Coming in from the right side, Mata sprung the offside trap and beat Simon Mignolet. Despite the best efforts of Philippe Coutinho, there was nothing about Liverpool that was as sharp as United's move for the goal.

Before the hour, United had their second, a superb volley from Mata from a cross by the substitute Angel Di Maria.Liverpool fought back and Sturridge scored, running onto Coutinho's ball down the right.