Kuyt hat-trick sees off Manchester United

Kuyt owed much to the work of Luis Suarez, while Andy Carroll made his debut (Pictures © Trinity Mirror)

Dirk Kuyt scored his first Liverpool hat-trick as the Reds swept aside Manchester United 3-1 at Anfield.

Liverpool ran out comfortable winners and while Kuyt deserves much of the praise, it was strike partner Luis Suarez who exposed United’s vulnerability and produced an outstanding display which had The Kop singing his name.

The Uruguayan was a revelation and a constant threat to Alex Ferguson’s side, playing a part in all three goals. The first was pure brilliance from Suarez - his sublime footwork took out three United defenders before he prodded the ball past Edwin Van der Sar to present Kuyt with a tap-in for the opener.

Liverpool’s celebrations were manic and they were multiplied
when Kuyt doubled their lead five minutes later. Suarez could
claim to have played a part in the goal but the main assist must
go to Nani. Suarez’s cross looked to be going nowhere before
the winger inexplicably headed back into his own six-yard box
where Kuyt was on hand to nod home.

The game threatened to boil over just before half-time, when
Nani’s afternoon got worse following a crude tackle from Jamie
Carragher. The Portuguese international left the pitch in tears
on a stretcher while Carragher was fortunate to only receive a
yellow card. Rafael was then lucky not to be dismissed for a
late challenge on Lucas.

Although United threatened at the beginning of the second half,
it was Liverpool who got the decisive third goal. Wes Brown
brought down Kuyt on the edge of the area, Suarez stepped up
and his free-kick had too much on it for Van Der Sar, who could
only push the ball back out to where Kuyt - the quickest to react -
was able lift the ball over his compatriot into the roof of the net.

It was first Liverpool hat-trick against their arch rivals since Peter
Beardsley scored three in September 1990, and coincidently the
last time Kenny Dalglish took charge of a game against
Manchester United at Anfield.

It was probably the simplest of hat-tricks anyone has ever scored, with the sum range of his three strikes a mere seven yards, but it was a rich and long overdue reward for a player of his commitment and work ethic.

As the Kop gave a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for Dalglish, who turned 60 on Friday, the Reds boss felt comfortable enough to give record signing Andy Carroll his long-awaited debut, and the striker received a rapturous reception from the crowd.

Liverpool cruised to victory from there and not even a late consolation from Javier Hernandez in stoppage time could dampen the celebrations at the final whistle.
 

© Trinity Mirror

LIVERPOOL FC SEASON 2010/11

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