Houllier: United defeat changed our season

The Reds headed into the December clash five points ahead of their rivals. Two Diego Forlan goals - ably assisted by a hapless Jerzy Dudek - gave United the impetus they needed to go on to claim an eighth Premiership title in just eleven years. As for Liverpool, the defeat was just one statisic in a sorry eleven game run without victory that left the Reds firmly off the Premiership pace. Houllier feels that one game is symbolic of his side's season.

Houllier said: "When we played Manchester United at home we were five points ahead of them and had a really good start to the season. Their win at Anfield probably put them back on track, that was the turning point of their season and ours as well.

"That game was a shock. In many games we have made stupid errors that have cost us points and that was one of them."