Liverpool MOM: A Closer Look At Joe Allen's Superb Performance Against Manchester United

Liverpool currently sit second in the Premier League table just four points behind Chelsea with a game in hand, having steamrolled over bitter rivals Manchester United today.

Their 3-0 victory could have been a lot more, but Steven Gerrard missed a penalty and David De Gea made some fine saves.

However, Despite the likes of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and the aforementioned Gerrard on the pitch for Liverpool, it was actually Joe Allen who caught my eye.

Here's why.

He has taken a lot of stick over the years because of his caution on the ball, but it worked brilliantly today.

While the attacking players lay into the feeble United defence, Allen was there to continually feed the ball into those players. Sitting on the left side of a midfield trio, Allen attempted 44 passes during the game and completed 40, giving him a pass completion of 91%, with one key pass.

He also looked determined to break down anything United tried to spark in the middle, too, and his six completed tackles support that. He also made an interception, a clearance and was successful in the only take on he attempted all game - when he beat Tom Cleverley inside the United half.

For me he was the man of the match. Ignore the goals and think about contribution and you may well agree with me.

Comments

[Dave Kelly]

Since his surgery he has started to look the player that we hoped he would be. His pressing style is key to the new Liverpool way! I now have confidence in him.