Benitez got it Right for Once

Rafa Benitez will always be slanted. His tactics are not correct. What is the deal with rotation? Why spend silly amounts of money on people who are simply not good enough. He has his critics including myself, who I argue is that there is no better out there to manage Liverpool, even though Benitez is not quite enough.
However, yesterday he did do quite shockingly get it right, every aspect. So well, that I actually felt, like catching the next train to Lime Street, and give him a smacker. For the first time we may be able to be classed as genuine title contenders. Defeating Manchester United, the old enemy, 2-1 was not only a fantastic result but it is a foundation for the season’s success. If Liverpool can beat the Mancs, they, theoretically, can beat anyone.
Unlike other seasons, Benitez tried to see out a draw as a point seems good enough against, at current, the champions. I saw another approach, massively worked out tactics that not only frustrated Man U but preventing them playing any sort of football. Paul Scholes was ammonias, Wayne Rooney was shockingly ineffective, and Anderson could not get into any rhythm. It was fantastic to see.
A player that impressed me the most yesterday and was probably a huge unsung hero was Robbie Keane. He laid the intention from the off, pressing down every ball not allowing any player to settle. His work rate was outstanding and you noticed he played for the team, he performed for the team, and that was the most blessing thing.
Dirk Kuyt impressed me a striker as he looked a threat and could have easily walked away with a brace as Edwin Van Der Sar made two top-notch saves. His hard work and willingness set up the Ryan Babel winner. He has not to be seen as the world-class striker since his move to Liverpool. As he came with a massive reputation he has not been a 20/20 (20 goals and 20 assists) man he was back in his native Holland. We see glimpses but never anything of pure magic, Benitez has been playing him far right too often and it is clear his place is down the middle, well to get full effectiveness from him.
My man of the match was Javier Mascherano, simply, like Keane; he controlled the game with his pressing and ‘mopping up’. Mascherano did not allow Scholes, Carrick, and Anderson anytime on the ball and was ever influential in preventing Rooney claiming the ball deep.
Since his highest priced move to Liverpool, he has always been a bit temperamental as shown in the last game between the two clubs when he was sent off in the first half for dissent. This game we saw a completely different side of him, let us mention that Liverpool were without their best two players in Fernando Torres and largely Steven Gerrard, who only made a brief cameo. This says something fundamental; perhaps Liverpool has actually become a decent side without these two world-class players. We did jostle with Manchester United and was successful.
Xabi Alonso played as well as ever as it looked rather bemusing that he is performing after Benitez summer long pursuit of Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry. This may be just a huge blessing in disguise. His passing and positional player is probably on par with any other excellent midfielder. Who needs Barry?
Albert Riera spurned out a fantastic debut and he is the left-winger that Liverpool may need. I hope it is not just a flash in the pan but on this games performance he looked like a decent element of the squad. Ryan Babel took his place and looked equally impressive. There does seem healthy competition in all positions.
This may be the moment where Benitez has a squad capable of applying much needed pressure upon Chelsea and United. No team are invincible and, on their day, anyone can defeat anyone.
It has been 20 years since Michael Thomas won the title at Anfield this season and may we may see the title in the hands of Steven Gerrard when the Premiership leads to its conclusion.
At least remain competitive please.