We will bounce back!

There is no denying that it was a bad loss. It was an embarrassing loss. It was a confidence-shattering loss. But coming on from a great win over one of the best teams in Europe in the mid-week in the Champions League, Liverpool was full on confidence and felt that they could take on anyone. 

Taking on anyone they did. And it could not be any better opposition. Liverpool inflicted Manchester United's worst loss this season, by scoring four past the usually unflappable and consistent Manchester United's defence. Manchester United drew the first blood when Ronaldo converted a penalty after Tevez was brought down by the Liverpool keeper. But what happened after that was somthing you might not expect at the Theatre of Dreams. Manchester United conceeded four great goals; one from Torres, a penalty from Gerrard, a well-taken freekick from Auelio which Ronaldo would be proud of and a great chip from Dossena which reduced van der Sar to a spectator's role. And Manchester United's day could not get any worse as the usually dependable and almost-perfect Vidic was deservedly red-carded as he brought down Gerrard who was almost through to score. And I think Sir Alex Ferguson might have got it all tactically wrong; he should have substituted the trio earlier. It would take some times for them to warm up and by the time they did, the time was up. Liverpool was the better team and they were hitting the right notes and deservedly won the game last night.

Yes, the win revives Liverpool's title bid. It will bring back the confidence back to the Kop. But, I do not think Manchester United has pressed the self-destruct button here. Of course, people's mind will cast back to the 97-98 season when Manchester United squandered its lead at the top of the season, but this season's team is much better than that season's team. Manchester United will bounce back and Fulham, the host of Manchester United's next Barclays Premier League game next weekend, should be quite scared (I hope!). It would be interesting to see how Liverpool would follow up from this game; their next game will be against Aston Villa, which are looking for a strong finish this season and a spot in the Champions League. And in this evening's game, Chelsea will take on Manchester City and if they win, they will leapfrog over Liverpool.

At least, Manchester United is still four points ahead and has one game in hand. If this game is won, the seven-point lead will be restored. With the season only has nine games remaining, it remains anyone's season, but the lead will bring the confidence to Old Trafford and it is now a matter of winning all remaining games now. Manchester United's remaining away games are against Fulham, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Hull City and Wigan Athletics, and home games are against Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspurs, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Yes, go on and celebrate as if you won the World Cup. Yes, go on and rub it in. And yes, go on milk it. Gerrard apparently issued a warcry, asking the other teams to beat Manchester United so that Liverpool can win the title this season but hey, do it yourself! And when the season ends, let see if people still remember this game......