'Westerveld kept us in game'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gerard Houllier saw Liverpool record their third straight win over Manchester United and their third success in as many visits to the Millennium Stadium yesterday, but still believes that United will be more confident than his team about winning the Premiership.
Houllier said: "At the moment I'm a little bit worried because you mention that the team that wins the Charity Shield doesn't win the title – I'm sure Alex Ferguson is a lot more confident than I am."
The Frenchman felt his side deserved their 2-0 half-time advantage, but conceded that United had looked the more dangerous side in the second period. "It was a fantastic game of football, very entertaining – a great game. We probably played better than they did in the first half but in the second half they were better than us. They put pressure on us – you've got to give them credit."
Houllier singled out Sander Westerveld for special praise, claiming he kept Liverpool in the game as United launched their second-half onslaught.
"He had some very important saves, some great saves, which kept the advantage for us."
The Dutch goalkeeper, who crowned an impressive display with a superb save to deny Roy Keane's powerful first-half header, said: "It doesn't say too much about the season. It's a great result, but it does not say anything whatsoever about the Championship."
The United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his players had been "slow to the ball" in the first half. "In fairness to them, in the second half they passed the ball quicker and it made a difference," he said.
Gary McAllister was quick to praise the Liverpool fans for their support during the match. He said: "The atmosphere here is brilliant. I think it's a great stadium, we've been here three times and it's a lucky place for us."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments