Was this a sign of things to come?
Liverpool’s passionate and enthralling victory against the Premier League leaders felt like it meant more than just another three points and more than just a parochial battle for north-west pride; it felt like things were changing.
It was certainly very important for second-placed Arsenal, because coming on the back of United’s defeat at Chelsea, it leaves the title race wide open; but it may also prove a memorable and crucial moment in the development of Liverpool FC and their bid to bring history back to life.
There was a special feeling about this game long before it started because although Liverpool may be out of this year’s title race, their players, fans and even manager Kenny Dalglish were not shy to admit they are desperate to prevent their bitter rivals going 19-18 ahead in the table of all-time league titles.
United have closed the gap from 18-7 since Liverpool last lifted the trophy — back in 1990, under Dalglish of course — by winning 11 Premier League titles while fans on the Kop have had to satisfy themselves with European adventures as year after year the league passed has them by.
But if there is a sense at Anfield now that history can be revisited, maybe even recreated, then it’s obvious that Dalglish is the link between the days of yore and the 2011 revival.
A black and white picture in the matchday programme of a young Dalglish and Ferguson side by side for a radio interview reminded us all that Dalglish’s managerial adventure began long, long ago and perhaps left many supporters wondering how things would have turned out if Dalglish, like Fergie, had been in charge for the last two decades.
There were good reasons for King Kenny standing aside back then as he cited health and stress issues, but his return has been so seamless it almost seems as though he has never been away; and these days he is so unflappable that one wag in the Kop unveiled a banner stating: “Kenny Dalglish is cooler than the Fonz”.
You don’t have to look far for a King Kenny figure on the pitch, either, because Liverpool’s current number seven Luis Suarez is worthy of the shirt; and his enthusiasm, skill and creative instincts were, alongside Dirk Kuyt’s boundless energy, the key to a victory that leaves United’s title bid wobbling alarmingly.
Fergusons’ side, missing the injured Rio Ferdinand and the suspended Nemanja Vidic, were second best for long spells and missing the verve and creative spark Liverpool had in abundance.
So the big question is: was United’s nervous and bitty display a vision of the future, in the same way that Liverpool’s performance could be a portent for better things to come?
Or was it just another bad day Alex Ferguson will be able to shake off in his inimitable fashion?
Ferguson has history on his side, of course, because he has answered his critics time and time again since that grainy photograph with Dalglish was taken; but he must know after this result that his managerial skills will be tested to the full in the coming months.
He could claim, perhaps correctly, that Jamie Carragher was fortunate to remain on the pitch for a terrible tackle on Nani, who left the field on a stretcher, but it would be hard for anyone to suggest Liverpool did not deserve this victory.
So where does that leave United, nursing such a disappointing away record, and their title challenge?
Dalglish, for sure, looked the cooler customer. After all, he can point to Suarez’s mesmeric, slaloming run that set up Kuyt’s opener as proof he has added something different to his side in the January transfer market and there was also the welcome sight of Andy Carroll coming off the bench, to a rapturous reception, to make his debut at last once Kuyt had added two more.
The continuing and impressive growth of Meireles in midfield is also a positive for Liverpool, who didn’t even need to rely on captain Steven Gerrard to provide the impetus for victory this time.
Kuyt, Meireles and Suarez were the key men instead and that augurs well for Dalglish, who will surely be given the job permanently by Liverpool’s new owners before embarking on another spending spree this summer.
By that time United will know whether they are 19-18 ahead and pushing for the heights or whether the see-saw has tipped them off and left them in the dirt.
And as Liverpool’s history boys know, it can be very difficult to get back on.
