Raheem Sterling’s maiden senior goal
secured Liverpool’s first league victory at Anfield this season against Reading
on Saturday afternoon.
Brad Jones replaced Pepe Reina in goal,
after the Spaniard sustained an injury during the international break. Fresh
off signing a new contract, Suso retained his place within the first team, with
Raheem Sterling continuing on the left of the front three.
Chances were few and far between during the
first 15 minutes. Liverpool retained the bulk of possession early on,
interchanging passes quickly and crisply.
The first promising chance saw Suarez
driving into the penalty area and picking out Sterling, but the chance passed
when he spent too much time on the ball, allowing Reading to get bodies around
the winger.
The 17-year-old was in again. However, a
little inexperience showed as the ball deflected off him and out of play near
the byline.
A sweeping counter-attack led Sterling in
behind the Reading defence. He learnt from his earlier mistake and directed a
pass to a surging Sahin into the box. However, the Turkish midfielder blazed
his effort over the bar.
Liverpool’s pressure was rewarded on the
half hour mark through the lively Raheem Sterling. Suarez chipped a ball over
the Reading defence, Sterling chased and subsequently guided his shot past
McCarthy into the bottom corner. The winger peeled away to the corner flag with
delight getting mobbed by teammates. He became the second youngest ever
Liverpool player to score a league goal, after Michael Owen.
Fouled on the edge of the box, Luis Suarez
stepped up to take the free kick. Ironic cheers from Anfield rung out. The
Uruguayan couldn’t convert the chance, crashing his effort into the wall.
The second half resumed as Suarez appeared
from the tunnel after shaking off an injury sustained on the stroke of half
time.
The number seven showed no signs of an
injury as he surged forward and crossed for Sterling, on the turn, the winger
shot straight at McCarthy. It wasn’t the first time they had linked up in the
afternoon, showing signs of a fruitful partnership in the offing.
It should’ve been 2-0 in the 53rd
minute. Suarez capitalized on a mistake by McCarthy and danced past a couple of
Reading defenders, before shooting at goal. The ‘keeper made up for his mistake
and deflected the effort away.
Down the other end Reading almost punished
Liverpool. McCleary broke through on goal one v one against Jones, but the
Australian managed to expertly divert any threat by blocking the shot.
Reading further showed signs of danger when
Brad Jones was once again forced into a save, Jobi McAnuff’s stinging long
range shot was parried away from goal by Liverpool’s number two.
Jonjo Shelvey replaced Nuri Sahin on the
hour mark and almost provided Liverpool with a much-needed second goal. Suarez was
instrumental again as he flighted a cross towards the back post for the
midfielder, but a poor first touch fizzled out the attack.
Liverpool broke. Enrique, replacing Suso,
picked out Suarez with a cross inside the box, but the Uruguayan lacked
composure and slashed his effort over with his left foot.
The hosts held on in the final minutes to
earn a valuable home victory.
MOTM: Raheem Sterling
The 17 year old is settling in well with his
introduction into the Liverpool senior side. After impressive performances,
Sterling bagged his first goal today and looked a threat all afternoon.
It was a close call between Sterling and
Glen Johnson, but the fullback’s contribution should not go un-noticed. Johnson
once again proved he’s England’s best option at right back. His versatility
throughout the season has seen him deployed at left back and the 28 year old
has responded well with a series of impressive performances silencing his
critics. He supported Sterling well, bursting forward with attacks as well as
doing his job defensively.
Overall, more chances should’ve been taken
by Liverpool, but the ability to hold on to a 1-0 lead is invaluable. At the
end of the day, three points is three points and more goals would’ve culminated
in the same outcome. It’s a case of “winning ugly” and picking up points
against the so-called lesser teams that will help return Liverpool to a top 4
berth.
Sikander Najib
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