And there I was saying that the Liverpool v United game would be a much closer affair than everyone was expecting!
The first 20 minutes was predictable, Jurgen Klopp ordered his players to get at it as soon as the ref blew and United somehow managed to hold it together without conceding.
But just as the game hit an even flow, Sadio Mane (who must have put snail muti on his marker Ashley Young) moved into acres of space to slot away the opener.
Jesse Lingard’s equaliser gave us some hope that perhaps this was gonna be a classic, hard-fought Scouse-Manc battle, but despite Liverpool looking a bit disorganised and desperate for a period, there was always going to be only one winner.
Even when United managed to get a ball out past the half-way line, the out-of-place Romelu Lukaku made absolutely sure nothing would come of it.
United’s midfield were poor, with Nemanja Matic in particular completely ineffective and Marcus Rashford unable to run a ball more than five metres.
Anthony Martial’s inclusion late-on had zero effect, I can’t even remember him touching the ball and Juan Mata just looked lost, managing to dictate one decent move which came to nothing.
It was awful to watch as a United fan.
In contrast, a start for Nathaniel Clyne paid dividends for Klopp, helping sure up the backline. Andy Robertson was (as always) outstanding, solid in his leftback role and a constant thorn as he pushed forward.
But for me, the two players who really dictated the game were Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum.
For me, there aren’t many better midfielders in the world than Wijnaldum and he proved me right on Sunday.
NO CONTEST: Man United's Jose and Reds boss Klopp
His performance in terms of effect on a game was as good as any top outing for a Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard.
At the end of the day, we can’t be distracted by cries of “two deflected Xherdan Shaqiri goals”. This was a clear indication of where these two cubs are at currently.
From a statistical point of view, the game was undoubtedly one-sided, Liverpool had just under two-thirds possession, around 250 more passes and touches and 30 more shots (36 to 6) at goal.
As the cameras periodically panned in on the Manchester United hierarchy, Sir Alex, Ed Woodward (who’s taken up the footballers ‘cover your mouth while you’re talking’ trick), David Gill and Bobby Charlton, you could see a bunch of old men getting older by the minute.
Is this what the biggest club in the world has been reduced to?
A club rebuilt from the ashes of the Busby Babes in 1958 and led to dominate the English game for a couple of decades.
From a historical and (more importantly these days) shareholders perspective it seems that change has to happen soon.
I think the commentator summed it up well: “Here’s a perfect example of a coach that is getting the best out of his players against a coach that isn’t”.
I watched the game at the Blue Whistle, a spot where United fans usually dominate these occasions, it was interesting to see a 50/50 split of fans on the day.
Times are definitely changing. There’ll be a lot of wound-licking as everyone gets back to work today It's going to be tough.
Anyway, I’m off for a couple of weeks, as always, thanks for your support, your criticism and your threats!
Have a lekker festive, stay safe and see you in the New Year!