Academy Soccer Coach looks back at Grand Slam Sunday and pinpoints the tactical masterstroke from Utd's coaching staff which was to secure the 3pts at Anfield.

In the fall out of Grand Slam Sunday which saw the Premiership top 4 go head to head, you didn't have to be an expert to realise where the games were won or lost The importance of set pieces has always been crucial to the outcome of games but more and more we are seeing the big games being determined in this way. While you would argue that William Gallas goal was down to individual error, you couldn't take anything away from Tevez's winner; a tactical masterstroke from United's training camp.

One thing is for sure though; both Liverpool and Chelsea will be kicking themselves for conceding sloppy goals in such high profile and important games.

When Rafa Benitez joined Liverpool his zonal marking set up at set-pieces was often a cause for debate on Match of the Day and Sky. The Liverpool players were obviously struggling to come to terms with this new set up and therefore goals were conceded from set pieces as the players adjusted to their manager's demands. In recent times this has not been a problem and Liverpool have looked very organised and strong when defending corners and free kicks, however, big coaching plaudits must go the management team at Manchester United who almost picked Liverpool's pockets to score a fantastic goal that won them the game.

Make no mistake at how fantastic Manchester United's goal was.

For coaches it's a prime example of the full picture, how clever planning and preparation leads to the ultimate prize. The process starts with the video analysis team, then to the coaches' office, out on the training pitch and then "Showtime", in a massive game.

We have all just seen how clever coaching does affect the outcome of games.

Liverpool's set up includes all 11 players back inside their own 18yd box. Two players occupy the posts and two banks of four player's line across the 6yd box and just inside the 18yd box. The first bank of four players has a role to stop the opponent's attackers from making clear runs to challenge for the ball. This enables the 2nd bank of players to get a free header clear. The Liverpool players stick to this demand 100% as directed by their manager and this is why Wayne Rooney was allowed to be unmarked just outside the box.

Manchester United's plan was to use Liverpool's tactics for their own gain. The United attackers allowed their runs to be blocked on purpose as they also wanted to block the Liverpool defenders from challenging Rooney. In addition, Rio Ferdinand's early run to the near post pulled Torres away from an area where he could prevent a pass to the edge of the box. Many will argue that Rooney's shot that found Tevez to score was fortunate however it would have been a sin if Rooney had not hit the target with his shot after such good play from his team mates. Therefore, we feel that he was certainly instructed to make sure his shot was goal bound and therefore allowing for a deflection or team mate to convert if the ball did not go directly into the net.

Will Liverpool change their tactics for the quarter final against Chelsea on Wednesday evening? I don't think they will, Benitez is a top coach who has built his vision and will still be confident of his beliefs. They were just caught out by fantastic insight from the United coaching staff and quality execution from the United players.

Set pieces are therefore crucial both attacking and defending as they are cheap goals. The meaning of the word "cheap" is that it takes very little to score from a set piece compared to the open game. Teams such as Manchester United will always back themselves to score from open play and therefore if they can score from a set piece, they will now need to concede two goals to not win the game. How often do the top teams concede two goals?