Henderson impressed for Liverpool again, but forgotten man Allen was influential in their thumping victory at Old Trafford



MAN UTD 0-3 LIVERPOOL

CLICK HERE for Martin Samuel's match report from Old Trafford

Jordan Henderson's performance in Liverpool's dominant 3-0 victory at Old Trafford drew all the plaudits but his midfield partner Joe Allen was just as influential, if not more.

The Welshman has forced himself back in favour having fallen behind Steven Gerrard, Lucas and Henderson in the Liverpool midfield pecking order.

In a shrewd tactical move by manager Brendan Rodgers, Allen and Henderson were deployed in similar roles at Old Trafford, and both were a constant threat to United's back line.

Instrumental: Joe Allen was in top form during Liverpool's victory over Manchester United Sharp: The Welshman was a constant threat to United and did his fair share of defensive work as well

DISTANCE COVERED STATS

MINS PLD KM MILES Man United - total 109.8 68.3

Juan Mata 87 11.5 7.2

Wayne Rooney 90 11.2 7.0

Michael Carrick 90 11.1 6.9

Liverpool - total 110.7 68.8

Joe Allen 90 11.9 7.4

Jordan Henderson 90 11.3 7.0

Jon Flanagan 90 10.8 6.7

Data courtesy of EA SPORTS, Official Sports Technology Partner of the Premier League

Earlier in Rodgers' Anfield reign, Henderson himself was out of favour, but a combination of hard work and determination to improve has made him a key part of Liverpool's midfield.

Along with the ever reliable captain Gerrard, the midfield trio controlled the battle in the centre of the park and pulled all the strings.

Manchester United's wide men Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj were constantly looking over their shoulder and being forced to defend, rather than get up the field and create chances for Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

The 24-year-old Allen returned a pass-completion percentage of 90.9, while Henderson's was still an impressive 80.3, although Henderson did attempt 66 passes compared to Allen's 44.

Allen lined up on the left in front of emerging full-back Jon Flanagan, while Henderson predominately played in front of Glen Johnson.



On the ball: Jordan Henderson's recent form for Liverpool has been excellent

Red hot: As his heat map shows, Henderson enjoyed plenty of possession on the right side of midfield

Defensive duties: Joe Allen did a lot of tracking back to help young full-back Jon Flanagan Masterstroke: Brendan Rodgers' tactics were spot on in Liverpool's victory at Old Trafford

As the heat maps for both players show, Allen spent more time in the defensive third, helping Flanagan deal with the threat from Januzaj.

Liverpool's pressing high up the pitch was a big factor in their victory. They never let Manchester United settle and the closing down from Allen and Henderson in particular (on Januzaj and Mata) was exceptional. Even at 2-0 ahead, Henderson was right in the face of Evra on the half-way line.



With Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini sitting deeper for United, the onus was on young Januzaj and £37m man Mata to carve out opportunities. But neither of them were allowed the time and space to do so. Allen also did an excellent job at preventing Rafael from bombing down the right touchline.



When Allen did get forward, he had a snap shot on goal in the first half before winning a penalty just after the break which Gerrard converted for a 2-0 lead.

It was a crucial moment in the game with United looking for a quick start after the break to force an equaliser. Instead, Liverpool had a cushion, one which they never looked like losing.



Leader: Steven Gerrard was once again the driving force for Liverpool in the centre of the park

Bundled: Allen wins a penalty after being fouled by Phil Jones at the start of the second half

The fact that Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and, to a lesser extent, Raheem Sterling were all below par and Liverpool still ran out comfortable victors is testament to the performance of their midfield three, and a tactical masterstroke from Rodgers.

Regardless of the fact that their forwards lacked the clinical edge seen so often this season, 3-0 never flattered Liverpool and it should have in fact been more.