Liverpool scratch away seven-year itch

Liverpool have now won three and drawn one of their opening four games to raise hopes that they could finally launch a serious challenge for the title they last won in 1990.

Their win took them to 10 points, the same as Chelsea, who won 3-1 at Manchester City, despite Robinho marking his debut for City with a goal after 13 minutes.

Arsenal continued their good start with a 4-0 win at Blackburn Rovers as an Emmanuel Adebayor hat-trick, after Robin van Persie’s opener, rewarded an impressive display.

Liverpool had lost five and drawn one of the previous six home league games against United and looked set for another defeat when new signing Dimitar Berbatov set up Tevez to fire the visitors ahead after three minutes.

A Wes Brown own goal after an error by goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar levelled before halftime and Liverpool pushed on after the break.

Their reward came 13 minutes from time when Babel got just about enough on his shot after a blunder by Ryan Giggs had allowed Dirk Kuyt to cross.

“Its been far too long now, it's not just the three points its the belief and the confidence,” Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said.