Life doesn't get any sweeter than this. There were those who belittled the midweek trashing of Real Madrid as a victory against a team in disarray, conveniently forgetting that this is also the same tam that had just won ten games on the trot in La Liga. Yet there will be no excusing this humiliation imposed on Manchester United in their own back yard.

Sadly, it is probably far too late to put Liverpool back in the title race yet it smashes away United's air of invincibility and hopefully other teams will pick up on that.

Good Game
When Jamie Carragher used to play at right back on a regular basis, his biggest virtue was that he didn't let many wingers get the better of him. It was a trait that shone through yesterday when Arbeloa's late withdrawal forced him into playing there once again. Carragher's late switch also meant a recall of Sami Hyppia and once again the Finn responded with a great performance. There are rumours that Liverpool only bought Martin Skrtel because they didn't get Nemanja Vidic. Well, on this showing, it was a lucky escape because the Croatian defender had a nightmare afternoon whilst Skrtel continued to show why he is probably the best central defender in the league.

ON an aternoon where everyone in defence played brillaintly, the pick of the bunch has to be Fabio Aurelio who was simply exceptional. A fantastic goal capped the afternoon's performance but it was his passing and intelligence when moving forward that really caught the eye.

The much maligned Lucas Leiva has a brief spell in the middle of the first half where he gave the ball away far too cheaply. Yet, to his credit, he recovered from that and was a more than capable deputy for Xabi Alonso. His partnership with Javier Mascherano certainly worked well even though it has to be said that the Argentine was too fired up for it to be anything but.

Dirk Kuyt wasn't really that much in the picture but, then again, neither was Patrice Evra and that was thanks to the Dutch midfielder (for he has become that) who limited the left back's opportunities to move forward.

When Benitez complained that Fernando Torres' injuries had cost Liverpool five points he was criticised as trying to find excuses for his own shortcomings. Yet against Real Madrid and Manchester United, Torres showed just how vital he is for Liverpool. Just as telling was a shot soon after Torres was substituted, where he looked completely drained on the substitute's bench. It goes to show just how much effort he put in.

Torres' efforts, and those of Aurelio, were only overshadowed by Steven Gerrard who won Liverpool the penalty and kept United busy all afternoon. It was another great game by the captain and one that he will have relished. My man of the match.

Bad Game
There's something about Manchester United that seems to get to Pepe Reina. The usually dependable keeper starts looking uncertain in his handling and there were a couple of occasions yesterday when he could have allowed United back into the game. There is also something about United that gets to Albert Riera as the Spanish winger has played them three times and won on every occasion. Yesterday, however, he was dismal and a pale shadow of the player who impressed so much early in the season.

Substitutions
It was a surprise to see Ryan Babel kept out of the side after enjoying such a good game against Real yet, to his credit, he looked good once he was finally sent on. So too Andrea Dossena who is slowly achieving cult status. A good goal against Real Madrid and an exquisite one against United show that the player has a good touch. Whether it is good enough to win him a left back slot ahead of Aurelio and Insua is doubtful, yet it proves that he isn't the bad player many had so quickly labeled him to be.

Nabil El Zhar then got a further cameo appearance to put into his scrapbook, even though it was too late for him to show anything.