An inspired piece of tactical adjustment from Rafa Benitez yesterday saw Liverpool’s season re-ignited and talk of inflatables beached for the time being. 4-2-3-1 went out the door, replaced by a 4-4-2 variant, and United had no answer as Liverpool played out a well-earned victory to Anfield’s delight.

Post-match comments from Rafa: “Everyone was working together” and Fernando Torres: “…playing as a team and working hard, we can beat anyone” summed up how Liverpool went about conquering the champions for the third consecutive time. Here’s a rundown of the key elements:

Intercepting Play

As this chalkboard shows, Liverpool broke up their opponent’s play twice as many times as United. Whereas Fergie’s team only tended to intercept well into their own defensive third, Liverpool harried their opponents and broke up United’s play time and again not only in their own third, but continually across the middle of the park and well into the champion’s half.

Goal Attempts

Again, this chalkboard shows Liverpool had twice the amount of chances as United. Whereas Wayne Rooney was responsible for half United’s chances alone, there were a number of Liverpool players who had a few shots at goal, showing that despite the relatively unused formation, Rafa’s boys were a danger from many areas of the park.

Lucas’ New Role

Since Xavi Alonso’s departure, Lucas has bore the brunt of much criticism with a series of insipid performances in a defensive central midfield this season. Yesterday, however, he seemed more at home in the 4-4-2 formation, and, given license to attack far more than usual, he justified Rafa’s unswerving faith in his ability.

This chalkboard, comparing yesterday’s passing with Lucas’ passing in Liverpool’s previous home game, illustrates his ability to perform in the more advanced role. Popping up continually at the heart of his opponent’s final third, his performance was dynamic and exemplary; an assist and just one misplaced pass all game.

With the recent comments of Jermaine Pennant ringing in Rafa’s ears, perhaps the Brazilian’s lack of form comes from being played out of his natural position. Shame for Lucas, then, that £20m man Alberto Aquilani is (allegedly) poised to enter the first-team fray, possibly in this week‘s Carling Cup tie against Arsenal. With Javier Mascherano suspended following two yellow cards and Steven Gerrard out injured, Lucas (5.0 FPL) could certainly be useful for our squads if Rafa maintains this system of play.

Clean Sheet Shocker! Tightened Flanks

After four straight defeats, Liverpool went back to basics; if you don’t concede, you don’t lose. (Maybe best hang on to your Reds defenders just yet, folks). I’ve previously highlighted Glen Johnson’s defensive frailties as an imbalance to the team, but yesterday’s system seems to have helped him, too.

This chalkboard shows his passing in yesterday’s game compared to Liverpool’s last Premiership game, versus Sunderland. By placing Yossi Benayoun (as part of a midfield four) in front of Johnson, Benitez curtailed the right back’s attacking instincts, and instead had him placed further back, concentrating more on the defensive side of his game, rather than spending much of his time in the opponent’s half.

On the opposite flank, Emiliano Insua had fellow left back Fabio Aurelio ahead of him in left midfield, providing a far more defensive option than in previous Liverpool line-ups.

This chalkboard comparing Aurelio’s passing yesterday at left midfield with Benayoun’s on the right, shows how he came back to help Insua and link up on occasion, providing more solidity, whereas Benayoun, with Glen Johnson playing it safe behind him, was allowed to prod and probe, providing the spark of creativity that ultimately unlocked the United defence.

With a build-up of beach balls, Cantona masks, shouts of “Judas” and dreaded votes of confidence threatening to overshadow events on the pitch, Liverpool delivered the perfect response yesterday, and now sit a mere four points behind United in the Premiership race, “crisis” averted.