It was a day to forget for Liverpool as skipper Steven Gerrard was sent off in a hugely disappointing 2-1 loss to archrivals Manchester United.
Liverpool's first-half performance was abject and they deservedly trailed at the break to Juan Mata's well-taken goal at the Kop end. United dominated possession and Liverpool were unable to play their normal passing game, prompting Brendan Rodgers to once again change the shape of his side at halftime.
His tactical switch had paid off Monday night against Swansea, but Gerrard's moment of madness just 32 seconds into the second half meant his manager's new game plan was immediately left in tatters.
The 10 men gave it their all and it was a much more even contest after the break. Daniel Sturridge canceled out a brilliantly executed second goal by Mata to give the home side hope, but United held on comfortably and could even afford the luxury of Wayne Rooney missing a penalty in stoppage time.
The result leaves United in pole position in the battle to secure a top-four spot and Liverpool have it all to do now.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Simon Mignolet, 7 -- Had no chance with either of the goals and generally performed solidly. One moment of hesitation almost presented Rooney with an open goal but he recovered the situation well and also thwarted the England captain in stoppage time by keeping out his penalty.
DF Emre Can, 5 -- A difficult afternoon for the young German, who struggled against the height and presence of Marouane Fellaini and often looked unusually unsure in possession. Improved after the break when switched to right back but conceded a late penalty with a clumsy challenge on Daley Blind.
DF Martin Skrtel, 7 -- A solid enough performance from the Slovak who defended stoutly and used the ball sensibly, but he may find himself in hot water after a clash with David De Gea in the dying seconds of the game.
DF Mamadou Sakho, 8 -- Liverpool's best player by some distance. Defended well, was composed and assured on the ball and was accurate in his passing. He may not always look like he's in control of what he's doing, but appearances are often deceptive and the Frenchman is proving himself a highly accomplished footballer.
MF Raheem Sterling, 5 -- Awful in the first half at right wing back and didn't really get much of an opportunity to impress in a more advanced role due to Gerrard's sending off. He was eventually moved to left back after the introduction of Mario Balotelli and performed quite well in that role. If this is how he's going to play after putting contract talks on hold until the summer, perhaps he may want to re-open them.
MF Joe Allen, 6 -- The Welshman started the game badly and looked nervy in possession. He was not helped by a harsh booking but to his credit he showed strength of character to play his way back into the game and performed as well as anybody in the second half.
MF Jordan Henderson, 6 -- Struggled to get into the game at all in the first half and was rarely even seen until producing a terrific cross field ball that led to a great opportunity that Adam Lallana failed to take. Tried to lead by example in the second half and got through an awful lot of work trying to compensate for his team being a man down.
MF Alberto Moreno, 3 -- Terribly disappointing display from the Spaniard. Repeatedly caught out defensively and contributed nothing going the other way. Sloppy passing and nervy in possession, it's amazing he lasted as long as he did before he was eventually brought off for Balotelli.
FW Adam Lallana, 5 -- Never really got into the game and wasted the best chance of the first half when he failed to hit the target from 18 yards after great set up play by Henderson and Sturridge. Seemed to be struggling after being pole-axed by Phil Jones and it was no surprise that he was the one who made way for Gerrard at halftime.
FW Philippe Coutinho, 6 -- Not his best day by any means but he went close with a terrific 30 yard strike and created a goal for Sturridge with a fine pass.
FW Daniel Sturridge, 6 -- Once again failed to impress as a lone striker and the question for Rodgers is whether that is down to a lack of sharpness or simply being ill suited to the role. In his defence the service to him was not good enough and he scored with the only real chance he had, but he just doesn't look like himself at the moment and needs more help up there.
Substitutes
MF Steven Gerrard, N/R -- It beggars belief that a player of his experience could react like that in such an important game. As he acknowledged afterwards he let his team-mates, manager and the fans down with that moment of madness.
FW Mario Balotelli, 5 -- Not the easiest game to come into by any means and had it not been for the quick thinking of a couple of fans in the front row of the Centenary Stand, Balotelli could have gone the same way as his captain. Yellow carded within minutes of coming on for a silly kick at Phil Jones, it looked like he was going to react angrily after being shoved into the hoardings by Chris Smalling.