League leaders Manchester United have increased their lead to twelve points, they beat Liverpool with a last gasp winner courtesy of substitute John O’Shea a self confessed Liverpool supporter.

This fixture was competitive as ever, with Paul Scholes seeing red for throwing a punch that never landed. Scholes was frustrated by the challenges of Alonso and reacted with a right hook, that was six inches away from its intended target perhaps a result of the eye injury he received last season. Once again Liverpool were rewarded for their opponents ‘intent’, Gerrard was awarded a penalty on the first day of the season at Bramall Lane for a defender putting him off with a late lunge.

The goal came in injury time, Cristiano Ronaldo’s daisy cutter free-kick was spilled by Reina as striker Louis Saha made advances. The ball went as far as O’Shea and the Irishman passed it in to the waiting net allowing Sir Alex Ferguson to jump for joy on the touchline.

Champions Chelsea have two games in hand and even if they won both of those games they would still be six points behind, requiring Manchester United to slip up if they are to be caught.