Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League on Sunday as South Korea midfielder Park Ji-Sung sealed a 2-1 victory over bitter rivals Liverpool.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s team trailed to an early goal from Fernando Torres at Old Trafford, but Wayne Rooney equalised with the rebound from a controversially awarded penalty before Park’s third goal of the season won it for the champions.
United are now two points clear of second-placed Arsenal, while Chelsea can move level on points with the Gunners if they win at Blackburn later on Sunday.
Torres took just five minutes to score his third goal in his last three meetings with United. Dirk Kuyt provided the cross and Torres took advantage of slack United marking to power a header past Edwin van der Sar.
Liverpool’s lead lasted just seven minutes as United equalised through Rooney’s 33rd goal of the season.
As Antonio Valencia drove towards the Liverpool penalty area, Javier Mascherano was tugging at the United winger. Mascherano released his grip as Valencia entered the area but the Ecuadorian threw himself to the turf and referee Howard Webb gave the penalty.
The decision led to a furious slanging match on the touchline between Ferguson and Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
Jose Reina saved Rooney’s spot-kick but the rebound fell perfectly for the England star to tap home into the net.
United were dominant after that and Park sealed United’s first win over the Reds since March 2008 with a brave diving header from Darren Fletcher’s cross in the 60th minute.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Fulham, fresh from their midweek Europa League heroics against Juventus, are in action against Manchester City.
