Manchester United claimed a somewhat unconvincing 2-1 Premier League victory at Liverpool yesterday.

The game has always been a traditional powder keg down the years and this game was no different. The game swung the visitor’s way in the 39^th minute.

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey was dismissed for a lunge on United defender Jonny Evans.

The dismissal didn’t stop Liverpool taking the lead on 46 minutes though. Reds captain Steven Gerrard controlled the ball on his chest before firing past Anders Lindegaard in the United goal.

The lead didn’t last long United were level on 51 minutes. Brazilian full-back Rafael produced a superb curling effort which beat Pepe Reina at his far post. United got the winner in the 81^st minute.

Antonio Valencia broke from the United midfield strode into the Liverpool box and Reds full-back Glen Johnson scythed the winger down when he was in on goal. Robin Van Persie scored from the resulting spot-kick.

Elsewhere, Manchester City and Arsenal drew 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium. City took the lead just before half-time, centre-back Joleon Lescott heading home. Arsenal never stopped going and got their reward in the 82^nd minute.

Santi Cazorla’s corner was headed away by the City defence, only to be smashed home by Gunners centre-back Laurent Koscielny. Arsenal deserved the point and it continued their good run of form.

Newcastle defeated Norwich 1-0 at the Sports Direct Arena. Magpie’s striker Demba Ba followed up his double at Goodison last week with the only goal in this encounter. The victory moved Alan Pardew’s men into tenth in the Premier League table.

Tottenham came from behind to defeat QPR 2-1 at White Hart Lane. The visitors took the lead on 33 minutes through former-Spurs striker Bobby Zamora. The Hoops were back on level terms on the hour mark, as Alejandro Faurlin put past his own keeper.

Just a minute later it got even better for Spurs, as deadly striker Jermain Defoe fired them into the lead. The strike was enough to give Tottenham all three points and move them up to sixth in the Premier League table.

Did Manchester United deserve to beat Liverpool?