December 26, 1979
Key note: “Liverpool proved a point and picked up two vital title points at the same at damp Anfield yesterday before the biggest crowd in the League. The point they hammered home in beating Manchester United 2-0 was that they are outstandingly the best team in the land and that United’s championship threat looks very thin by comparison with the strength and all-round quality of the champions, who are now firmly on course for their 12th title triumph. They reduced the high-flying United to a basic level as they controlled the game from start to finish. In a brilliant first half display, they stamped their authority with massive assurance and never permitted the outplayed United to get into real competition. Their football was of a far higher standard than their opponents, who were almost run off their feet at times. And they did not even have to work very hard in a one-sided second half which became tame at times because Liverpool were so much in command.” (Liverpool Echo: December 27, 1979)
Match: Football League, First Division, at Anfield, kick-off: 15:00.
Liverpool – Manchester United 2-0 (1-0).
Attendance: 51,073.
Referee: Mr. K. Walmsley.
Liverpool (4-4-2): Ray Clemence, Phil Neal, Alan Hansen, Phil Thompson, Alan Kennedy, Terry McDermott, Jimmy Case, Graeme Souness, Ray Kennedy, Kenny Dalglish, David Johnson.
Substitute: David Fairclough (not used).
Manchester United (4-4-2): Gary Bailey, Jimmy Nicholl, Stewart Houston, Sammy McIlroy, Gordon McQueen, Martin Buchan, Steve Coppell, Ray Wilkins, Joe Jordan, Lou Macari, Mickey Thomas.
Substitute: Ashley Grimes for Thomas after 77 minutes.
The goals: 1-0 Hansen (14 min.), 2-0 Johnson (85 min.).
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 