LONDON, Dec. 17 -- Manchester United had not lost in their previous eight league clashes with Liverpool and given their performances this season, it seems appropriate that their positive run against their bitterest rivals should end on Sunday afternoon in a chilly Anfield Stadium in such a decisive manner.

The wind may have been cold, but the atmosphere was red hot, the problem for Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho was that the fans chanting "Don't sack Mourinho, Don't sack Mourinho," were the Liverpool and not Manchester United supporters.

Although Liverpool had a dose of luck in Xherdan Shaqiri's two deflected shots which eventually gave them a 3-1 win, there is no doubt that win was clearly deserved as Liverpool chalked up over 35 shots to less than five from their rivals.

Mourinho was left to muse post-game that Liverpool had been physically stronger than his side, but they also played better football, were more ambitious and looked like a side that believe they have a chance of winning the title.

In contrast Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku looked like a man who didn't actually know what the ball was for. That wasn't entirely his fault, given that he hardly saw it all game due to his side's defensive set up. Never has the Belgium had so few touches of the ball during a game in which he's played 90 minutes.

If Liverpool believe they can win the title, there is also confidence at the Ethiad Stadium where Manchester City bounced back after last weekend's setback against Chelsea to beat Everton 3-1.

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