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Il Manchester United è in vetta alla “EPL” grazie al successo di misura ottenuto sul Liverpool. In seconda posizione ora si trova l’ Arsenal  ma il Chelsea potrebbe superare i biancorossi in virtù della gara in meno sin qui disputata. In Scozia, nella meravigliosa cornice dei cinquantamila di “Hampden Park”, i Rangers, ridotti in nove, hanno superato il St Mirren di misura in una avvincente finale della Coppa di Lega. Il match è stato deciso da Miller a sei minuti dal triplie fischio finale del discusso direttore di gara.

Rangers claimed victory in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final, despite having two men sent off against St Mirren at Hampden.

The Buddies dominated the first half, Steven Thomson and David Barron coming close to breaking the deadlock.Kevin Thomson was sent off for a dangerous tackle on his namesake Steven and Danny Wilson saw red for a professional foul on Craig Dargo.But Kenny Miller headed a dramatic winner for Rangers in the 84th minute.For St Mirren it was heartbreak as they failed to secure their first League Cup triumph, while Rangers claimed their 26th tournament win. Saints made a positive start and Billy Mehmet robbed David Weir of possession and sent a deflected cross to the back post, forcing Sasa Papac to head out of play.Steven Whittaker arrowed a low drive into the grasp of St Mirren goalkeeper Paul Gallacher before setting up Miller for a run and shot but the striker could not keep his effort down.Alexander, who replaced regular first-choice goalkeeper Allan McGregor as per the previous rounds of the competition, wanted too much time with a backpass and was almost caught by Jack Ross but the ball rebounded out for a goal-kick.

But Alexander looked more assured moments later when he made a goal-line save to deny Steven Thomson after the midfielder had been found by Michael Higdon’s cut-back.

Miller netted with a powerful header past goalkeeper Gallache

From the resulting corner, the ball broke out to Barron, who was deployed in central defence in the absence of Chris Innes, and he clipped the top of the crossbar with a long-range pile-driver.Pressure continued to come on the Rangers defence and Higdon fired into the side netting after latching on to Mehmet’s flick-on.Steven Davis had been an illness doubt for Rangers before kick-off and was withdrawn at half-time, Maurice Edu coming on in a reshaped line-up.Saints came close when Ross headed a long ball down to Mehmet, who turned Weir before sending a tame shot into Alexander’s arms.Kevin Thomson saw red after being penalised for a late lunge on Steven Thomson during another St Mirren advance.The flashpoint brought an edge to the game and referee Craig Thomson had a word with several players in an attempt to calm proceedings.Rangers looked to take advantage of a growing number of set plays but neither Kris Boyd or Edu could find the target with headers.A Nacho Novo free-kick caused chaos in the St Mirren box and Higdon made a crucial block to divert Miller’s shot wide.

Steven Thomson crossed for Higdon but the striker could not get his foot around the ball enough to test the Rangers goal.Dargo replaced Mehmet and made an immediate impact as he tried to reach a long ball and was pulled back by Danny Wilson. The defender was promptly sent off, with the referee adjudging that Wilson had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.But St Mirren struggled to make their numerical advantage count and were punished on a breakaway as substitute Steven Naismith crossed for Miller to head beyond Gallacher.The shell-shocked Saints pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way through a resolute Rangers back-line.

( BBC Sport )

Man Utd 2 – 1 Liverpool

Ji-Sung Park gets ahead of Glen Johnson to head in the crucial winner

By Phil McNulty Chief football writer at Old Trafford

Manchester United came from behind to beat Liverpool at Old Trafford to return to the Premier League summit.

Fernando Torres was United’s tormentor again as he rose to head in Dirk Kuyt’s cross after only five minutes to revive memories of Liverpool’s crushing 4-1 victory here last season – but United were to exact revenge on their arch-rivals.Liverpool were furious when United were handed the opportunity to draw level swiftly as referee Howard Webb awarded a penalty as the outstanding Antonio Valencia was hauled back by Javier Mascherano as the pair raced into the area.Wayne Rooney was unsettled by Liverpool’s lengthy and vociferous protests, but when his penalty was saved by keeper Pepe Reina he was first to react and turn in the rebound.

( BBC Sport )

1	Man Utd	31	47	69
2	Arsenal	31	40	67
3	Chelsea	30	42	65
4	Tottenham	30	26	55
5	Man City	29	18	53
6	Liverpool	31	18	51
7	Aston Villa	29	17	50
8	Everton	30	6	45
9	Birmingham	30	-3	44
10	Fulham	30	-1	38
11	Stoke	30	-6	36
12	Blackburn	30	-17	35
13	Sunderland	30	-6	34
14	Bolton	31	-20	32
15	Wigan	31	-30	31
16	Wolves	30	-24	28
17	West Ham	30	-14	27
18	Burnley	31	-33	24
19	Hull	30	-35	24
20	Portsmouth	30	-25	13