Liverpool 3 Manchester United 1. YNWA.

What do you do when you’re a Man United fan surrounded by around 50 Liverpool fans in a pub? And all this when the team is losing 0-3? Well, you use your powers of deception to weave a web and maybe skulk out.

The scene at the Spirit bar and restaurant here on Sunday night was one of madness and sheer happiness. Boys and girls attired in Liverpool jerseys danced around and huddled together, singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and chanting Kenny Dalglish’s name over and over again. There was a chocolate cake for the gaffer, who turned 60 on Friday. And the team handed him a perfect birthday present by mauling United 3-1 at Anfield, in a game that was replete with goals, tackles, controversies, celebrations and petulance.

After the match kicked off, the opposition team was booed off at every pass and touch by most of the spectators present in the bar. Though it goes without saying that United didn’t get see much of the ball to even pass it (possession stats in the first 25 minutes read: Liverpool 63%, United --- rest). As we continued chanting and riling up the opposition fans (seven in number, hats off to them!), Liverpool played a fluid, quick-passing game, so unlike one that had become an eyesore under the previous manager, the very-clueless Roy Hodgson. The home team looked for space and created it easily, with Lucas and Steven Gerrard combining well in midfield to stifle any United attacks that started.

While the defence and midfield obviously played out their roles to perfection (minus the horrific tackle on Nani by Jamie Carragher), it was upfront where the team impressed most. Dalglish decided to go for an all-out attack option as United’s rock-solid defenders were out injured and suspended (Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic respectively). In the scenario, Duracell bunny Dirk Kuyt bagged an unbelievable hattrick, but not without help. Luis Suarez, who could compete with Robert Pattinson for the next vampire role in ‘Twilight’, marauded through the ranks to set up two of the three goals. His twinkle-toes were responsible for the first goal, a beautiful movement when he danced past three defenders to slide the ball through the legs of the rushing goalkeeper, the hapless Edwin van der Sar, which Kuyt easily slid into the net.

1-0 to Liverpool. 34th minute. Scenes of mayhem ensued at the bar. Supporters danced around and hugged unknown strangers, albeit Liverpool fans. Beer bottles clinked around as everyone toasted the goal. Someone climbed up to the screen to kiss Kuyt, while another blew kisses from afar. Another fan genuflected at the feet of his heroes while the men on the field celebrated a goal against their most-bitter rivals.

No one could have predicted what was to come next. Five minutes later, Nani headed a ball towards the keeper, only to find a very sharp Kuyt lurking there. As the tireless Dutchman nodded the ball in, it was 2-0 to Liverpool. Before the first half had even ended. Relief! And what joy!

After Kuyt again made it 3-0 in the second half and victory seemed imminent, we broke out in songs and banter with the United fans present there. We cursed and swore, we clapped and high-fived, some even chest-bumped, some kissed the Liverpool crest. We flew the flag high, we proudly donned our scarves and caps, and we revelled in a night where we were proud to be supporting Liverpool. What a ride! From 19th to 6th, beating Chelsea and now United, it has been an unbelievable journey, something that did not quite seem plausible before. Liverpool might not make it to the Champions League spot this year. Liverpool might even fail in holding back Pepe Reina for the future. But the transformation has started. If the same spirit and grit prevails under Kenneth Dalglish, there will be unity among the fans and a hope that things can be set right, though that may take some time. As an Arsenal mate remarked, “If you play the way you did against United, you will own the League.”

Amen.