One of the most alluring fixtures in the English football calendar took place this afternoon as Liverpool travelled to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.

United took the lead courtesy of Robin van Persie's smart first-half goal, while Nemanja Vidic unwittingly made it 2-0 in the second half when he deflected Patrice Evra's header past Jose Reina.

Daniel Sturridge got a goal back for the visitors immediately after, but United held off a late Liverpool barrage to move 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Here, Sports Mole analyses another enthralling encounter between England's two most successful sides.

Match statistics:

Manchester United:
Shots 15
On target 10
Possession 56%
Corners 3
Fouls 14

Liverpool:
Shots 12
On target 5
Possession 44%
Corners 1
Fouls 16

Was the result fair?

If anyone deserved to win it was United, but Liverpool will think that they could have snatched a draw after putting the hosts under a lot of pressure in the second half. A draw would not have been an unfair result by any means, but United were on top for longer periods of the game than Liverpool were, so by that measure you'd have to say that it was deserved.

Manchester United's performance

A good all-round performance from the Red Devils. The first half showcased their attacking strength and ability to hold on to the ball while they were forced to put in a stubborn defensive performance in the second half. They deserved their half-time lead after dominating the opening period, but were forced back after the break and did well to hold on to their lead.

Liverpool's performance

Any defeat is disappointing and a loss to your greatest rivals is even harder to take, but there are plenty of positives for Brendan Rodgers to take from this match. His side were second best in the first half but the introduction of Sturridge gave Luis Suarez more support and changed the game. That partnership looked sharp, and they outplayed the league-leaders in the closing stages.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Robin van Persie: This is quite a hard award to give in the cliched 'game of two halves', but Robin van Persie was probably the standout performer. He scored one goal with a beautifully controlled finish and set up the second with a fine delivery from a free kick. He almost got a spectacular goal late on, too, flicking the ball goalwards with his heel only to see Reina save his effort.

Gaffe of the game

This has to go to Andre Wisdom's effort in the first half. The young right back advanced into a really good position in the box, but instead of just shooting at goal he hesitated, lost his balance, and skewed his effort well wide. A moment to forget for the youngster!

Referee performance

These matches are never easy to referee but Howard Webb did a very good job. There was a lack of the usual controversy these matches provide, but Webb stamped his authority early on with a number of free kicks and this set the tone for the rest of the match.

What next?

Manchester United: United have a second bite at the cherry in the FA Cup as they face West Ham United in a third round replay before a tough trip to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham in the Premier League.

Liverpool: Liverpool will host Norwich City in the Premier League next Saturday.