Are You Watching Manchester? [VHS]

In light of recent seasons including the one this year (11-12) so far, watching this now is nostalgic for the time in the 00s when although Liverpool FC failed to win the title they at least finished consistently in the Champions League qualification positions. Perhaps you could argue that this is really only for the Reds connoisseur because it does not feature any cup finals. However, it is worth buying if you are a Liverpool Red for memories of that treble season when Houllier transformed the side from the "Spice Boys" of the 90s to a different breed.

This VHS features the two league games versus Manchester United. In both games, the basis of the victory is through organised, gritty defending and combative, fast counter-attacking. This season - 00-01 - is probably the season in which Liverpool had their strongest squad of the past twenty or so years. Manager Gerard Houllier's wise signings combined with the cream of the 90s players and youth ensured that Liverpool were finally competitive again.

In both the games it is the defence that is crucial. If Liverpool were without the imperious backbone of Carragher, Hyypia, Henchoz and Babbel the victories probably would not have been secured. Though, the contribution of the organised midfield - particularly midfield linchpin Didi Hamann at Anfield - was also key in repelling virtually all the United attacks. Jamie Carragher was man of the match at Old Trafford with his tenacious tackles and perceptive reading of the game. The number of times in both games Sami Hyypia and Stephane Henchoz (one of the most telepathic central defensive partnerships in Liverpool history) clear the danger with their aerial dominance, anticipation and timely tackles is phenomenal. Markus Babbel was likewise a defensive rock and in both games posed a threat in attack. His ability to charge down the right flank and deliver service into the box or break into the box and shoot was a feature of Liverpool attacks in the treble season. It's a shame that in subsequent campaigns his appearances reduced and his form deteriorated due to illness at the start of the 01-02 campaign.

When the back four was rarely penetrated, Sander Westerveld showed that he was a keeper who could make sensational saves and interceptions. Though he was largely brilliant you could see once or twice his vulnerability to handling errors which would cost him his place in the team at the start of the following season.

In midfield, the promising Steven Gerrard and Danny Murphy are goal scoring heroes. Although apart from his accurate free kick in the away game, Danny Murphy was a disappointment (he would lose possession, be on the periphery and got sent off at Anfield). Steven Gerrard, on the other hand, in both games - especially at Anfield - displays his determination, Liverpool spirit and all-round finesse to win possession, create attacks with his vision and provide a goal threat from outside the box. At Anfield, he breaks the deadlock with a devastating, trademark pile driver from long-distance. It is a joy to watch. Didi Hamann's impenetrable shielding of the back four and ability to keep the passing ticking like a metronome is also key. Barmby and Biscan worked hard at Old Trafford to play a role in the victory. While at Anfield, Berger was likewise tireless though obviously he displayed rustiness due to his previous injury - he could have been sent off for numerous bad challenges and missed a glorious chance to increase the scale of victory.

Up front, Liverpool's strikers of ten or so years ago are much more prolific and dangerous than the ones nowadays (so far) this 11-12 season. Though of course Owen has an off day at Old Trafford - if his touch and shot had been better he could have scored a couple of goals and Liverpool would have won by a bigger margin at Old Trafford. Although Heskey also fails to get on the score sheet, he shows enough pace, power and determined running to both attack the United backline and create chances and hold the ball up. Though, he also missed a chance at Anfield to make victory even sweeter. The best striker in these two games is Robbie Fowler who scored the second goal at Anfield with an outstanding piece of control and devastating volley. His ability to create is seen when he deftly lays it on to Gerrard to assist the opener. Though his goals were less in abundance than his mid-90s years at Liverpool he still offered an option to the Liverpool side as the squad's most unerring finisher.

Although perhaps this is for Reds fans who want every single VHS/DVD release as it does not feature cup finals, it is worth buying for two satisfying victories over Liverpool's biggest rivals. In the first game at Old Trafford, you can see a vintage "smash and grab" victory of the Gerard Houllier era based upon two banks of four defending, swift counter-attacking and efficient taking of chances. In the second game at Anfield, you will see a game likewise based upon compact defending and counter-attacking but also Liverpool showing more menace and bite in attack. Although it is hardly "pass and move," Liverpool provides a constant threat on the break. Of course the VHS is also worth buying for David Beckham showing how he is somewhat overrated in both games and a United player being sent off at Old Trafford.

This a unique video that has full 90 minutes of both Liverpools wins against Manchester United from the 2000-2001 season. The quality of the picture is very good even though its on video. The commentary is excellent as it is from well known sky sports commentators Andy Gray and Martin Tyler.
Both games have plenty of chances, esecially the game at Anfield which is a very end to end game. There are some red cards, shots hitting the post and great goals so the games have everything you want in a fottball match.

So overall definetly worth getting if you are a Liverpool supporter and hopefully they will realease a similar product of our two wins against Manchester United this season (2008-2009).