Half-Time Report: Steven Gerrard penalty puts Liverpool in front at Manchester United

Steven Gerrard's 34th-minute penalty has given Liverpool a 1-0 half-time lead against arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

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Early on it was the visitors who looked the most threatening, and they almost took the lead when Jordan Henderson slipped in Daniel Sturridge, but the England man could only fizz wide from a tight angle.

Soon after 20 minutes, both Robin van Persie and Sturridge had chances at either end, but neither could make a clean connection as goalkeepers Simon Mignolet and David de Gea remained untested.

Joe Allen was next to fluff his lines with a decent shooting opportunity before Liverpool broke the deadlock.

United right-back Rafael da Silva misjudged a crossfield ball into the box and Luis Suarez tried to knock the ball past him, but he was thwarted by the Brazilian's hand, which clearly made contact with the ball.

Referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot, and Liverpool skipper Gerrard stepped up to coolly sent De Gea the wrong way with his penalty.

Just before the break, United had their best chance when Rafael cut back for Wayne Rooney, whose instinctive shot was beaten out by Mignolet.

As things stand, Liverpool are moving within four points of Chelsea at the top of the table with a game in hand.