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Liverpool depress Man United 2-0 at Anfield

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-26 12:54

LONDON: Liverpool sent off defending champions Manchester United 2-0 at the Premier League encounter on Sunday while Arsenal and Manchester City both witnessed their rivals coming from behind to draw 2-2.

Manchester United's Michael Owen (L) appeals for a penalty after being brought down by Liverpool's Jamie Carragher (R) during their English Premier League soccer matchat Anfield in Liverpool, northern England, October 25, 2009.[Agencies]

Liverpool were overplayed by Sunderland 1-0 away last week and continued to taste the bitterness of loss on Tuesday as they were defeated 2-1 by the French side Lyon in an away match of the European Champions League group stage. However, they didn't give Man United any chance to beat them at Anfield.

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Spaniard Fernando Torres broke the deadlock for Liverpool in the 65th minute, firing a crisp finish past veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. Then substitute David Ngog wrapped up the victory for the hosts with a 96th-minute goal.

The Reds were likely to take the lead earlier in the first half but Fabio Aurelio's free-kick was held off by Van der Sar in the 14 minutes. Three minutes later, Dirk Kuyt missed the target after receiving Leiva Lucas's pass.

Wayne Rooney grabbed Man United's best chance with 10 minutes remaining in the first period, but his header was saved by Liverpool keeper Jose Reina.

Michael Owen, facing his former club, was sent on the pitch with 20 minutes to go but failed to change the visitors fate while his teammate Nemanja Vidic and Javier Mascherano from Lieverpool were sent off one after another in the last minutes.

Man United have to accept the second place with a two-point gap as Chelsea crushed Blackburn 5-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to back the top of Premier League.

Robin van Persie slotted in the opener for Arsenal in the 16th minute and William Gallas made it 2-0 eight minutes before the break as he headed in from a corner. But the hosting West Ham unexpectedly restored equality with one header and one penalty late in the second half.

Man City also took a 2-0 lead quickly when facing Fulham at home, but the visitors recovered even more faster as they scored twice within six minutes. All of the four goals were produced in 15 minutes in the second half.

Bolton edged Everton 3-2.