Manchester United supporters had a go. And then the players gave it their best shot.
But there was to be no stopping Liverpool on a remarkable, astonishing evening that has breathed new life into their hopes of Champions League qualification.
What only mere days ago seemed borderline impossible is now a very real prospect for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Their top-four destiny is in their own hands, three wins away from gaining salvation from an at times tortuous campaign.
No wonder United fans were so keen to have this game called off.
Having already caused the postponement of the original fixture 11 days earlier, they were at it again as protests threatened to jeopardise the clash between the bitter North West rivals.
Liverpool, though, were ready, with decoy buses and secret diversions meaning they made their way safely to Old Trafford.
And that preparation set the tone for a rollercoaster match in which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were made to look just as foolish as their disruptive followers.
Mind you, it didn’t look that way during a nervy, error-strewn opening in which Liverpool appeared to be in danger of waving the white flag.
However, slowly but surely, the Reds rebuilt their confidence, self-belief and purpose, and demonstrated the big-game nous and nerve that has served them so well in recent seasons.
Yes, both Phillips and Rhys Williams ultimately justified Klopp’s ongoing faith in their centre-back partnership.
And United, already secure in the top four and with a Europa League final on the horizon, perhaps may have lacked a little intensity at times.
But at precisely the right moment, Liverpool’s big players delivered, no doubt sniffing the chance offered to them by Chelsea’s shock defeat at home to Arsenal the previous night.
Character, mentality, and no little quality, this was a reminder, just days after being dethroned as champions, why the Reds have been the only real challengers to Manchester City in recent seasons.
Not that Pep Guardiola’s side are of any concern right now.
All that matters is West Bromwich Albion, Burnley and Crystal Palace. Liverpool have given themselves a fighting chance.
