The Blades pay the penalty, but how much did Gerrard pay the ref?
Sheffield United saw their hopes of gaining a result at Anfield disappear in the first half hour of the game as Liverpool were awarded, not one, but two penalties.
Second half goals from Hypia and Gerrard completed the scoring to inflict United’s heaviest defeat of the season.
Neil Warnock controversially decided to play a 4-5-1 formation, thus dropping Jon Stead to the bench to make room for Ahmed Fathi’s first Premiership start for the Blades.
The formation enjoyed some success in the opening minutes of the game, as Liverpool struggled to get any rhythm, and United registered the first shot at goal from Hulse, who blasted over the bar after a neat turn on the edge of the area.
It took 12 minutes for Liverpool to create their first chance, as a long ball from Hypia found Gonzalez in space on the edge of the box, but the winger shot over after chesting the ball down.
The game was then turned on its head in the space of five minutes. Firstly, as Gonzalez crossed into the box the referee blew and unbelievably pointed to the spot after Gerrard had gone down under close attention from Kozluck.
Liverpool, at home, in front of the Kop, are obviously going to get preferential treatment from referees, but Bennett’s decision was laughable. Not only was Gerrard looking at the referee before, and during, his theatrical tumble, but he actually fouled Kozluck by running into him!
Bennett couldn’t wait to give ‘Stevie’ the penalty, which FOWLER coolly slotted into the right corner of the net.
Five minutes later and it was the same result. This time Montgomery foolishly put his arm on Gerrard’s shoulder as he was running into the box, and unsurprisingly the midfielder crumpled to the floor like he was made out of paper.
FOWLER again stepped up to take the kick, and this time chose the opposite corner, but with the same result.
After all the drama, the remainder of the half was fairly quiet, with a stinging shot from Riise, that was palmed away by Kenny, the only real action.
United started the second half brightly and should have pulled one back in the first five minutes. A cross from Kazim-Richards was poorly cleared by Carragher, but Montgomery failed to take advantage and placed his header wide of the post.
The controversial Gerrard almost added a third for the home side as he took a ball down on the edge of the area but his shot whistled past Kenny’s post.
The Blades had the ball in the net on 61 minutes, as Hulse scored from close range, but the linesman had his flag raised to the disappointment of the travelling fans who, at 2-0 down, were still making all the noise, in an otherwise near silent Anfield.
Just as United seemed to be getting back in the game Liverpool virtually ended the contest with a third goal. Poor defending from a corner saw a ricochet off Morgan fall to HYPIA who shot, passed Kenny, and into the bottom corner of the net.
United responded with a Hulse header, which was saved by Dudek, before GERRARD showed the better side of his game by adding a quality fourth goal.
The midfielder produced a sublime flick past Morgan on the edge of the area before placing his low shot passed Kenny and into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
The Blades could not even grab a consolation in the 79th minute, as Hulse met a great cross from Kazim-Richards but the striker’s effort came back off the bar to sum United’s day up.
The most disappointing factor of the game was that United, rather than Liverpool, looked like they’d played the though game on Wednesday, rather than having a two week break.
Liverpool were undoubtedly the better team, which makes it all the more frustrating that a player of Gerrard’s ability has to stoop to such low levels to try and gain an advantage.
United have now conceded two penalties to Liverpool, and Gerrard in particular, that never should have stood. It’s all well and good blaming the referee, and there is certainly a case for that, but their jobs are not helped by the blatant cheating of so-called ‘superstars’ like ‘Stevie’ Gerrard.
The worrying factor for United is that Andy Johnson visits the Lane with Everton next weekend, and everyone in the country is now well aware of his antics when he’s anywhere near the box!
Player Ratings
Kenny
6/10
Had little to do other than pick the ball out of the net, but made a good save from Riise.
Kozluck
4/10
Was only on the pitch for 25 mins and fell for Gerrard’s theatrics.
Armstrong
5/10
Another poor performance from Armstrong and can’t see him continuing at left back.
Jagileka
5/10
Gave Kuyt far to much space and respect.
Lucketti
6/10
Came off injured after half an hour, to end his fantastic run in the side.
Montgomery
6.5/10
Worked hard and was on of the few players to actually close Liverpool down.
Tonge
5/10
Looked tired and akward, but was playing in a strange position of Midfielder/striker.
S Quinn
5.5/10
Did ok in the first 30 mins or so but then disappeared for rest of game.
Geary
4/10
Turned into Alan Wright for the day and kept punting ball down the wing to no-one in particular.
Hulse
5/10
Worked hard but loses a point for his pathetic actions of collapsing when under pressure from defender on edge of box.
Fathi
7/10
Worked hard and looks quick and skillful on the ball. Looking forward to him having a run in the team.
Kazim-Richards
6.5/10
Put in some good crosses but could have run at Liverpool’s defence more.
Morgan
4/10
Never looked comfortable and didn’t even put in any trademark tackles.
6/10
Made little difference to a poor team performance.