A brace from high-flying Kuyt dethrone the Royals.LIVERPOOL(Kuyt 14th,73th) 2-0 Reading
We continued our fine run of a 3 game winning streak and extended it to 4 after 2 goals from our Dutch Master secured the win for our Reds.
RB made 2 changes to the line-up, bringing in Zenden on the left flank and Pennant on the right. Garcia was out with a hamstring injury while Sissoko started on the bench.
So 9 of the players has played the CL gaem against Bordeaux during midweek and therefore fatigue could be seen when they played.
We started badly, allowing the Royals to take control of the game. Harper had a early chance on goal, it was on its way into the net definately but luckily captain Carragher came to the rescue with a touch and sent the ball out for a corner. The Royals' formation was 4-1-4-1. But they played 2 wing back, and had 3 centre foward. There fore they had 7 players whenever they attacked and their players were all over the midfield.
We bounced back from the early scare and the ball found Gerrard. The captain then moved foward but was challenged by a on-coming defender. He held the ball well before chipping it to Crouch, who tried to head the ball in but failed to do so.
Instead, the ball fell to Kuyt who finished cooly to a open goal.
The game opened up more and Alonso had the responsibility of breaking them up as Gerrard started to play at the left flank while Zenden moved to the right. Pennant played a more central role in the game.
Kuyt then had a couple of chances just before half time when he expected a cross and headed but the angle was tight and his shot went just wide.
2nd half began with no change in formation from either side. Liverpool attacked and poured foward but left their back 4 vulnerable. Reading's attacks came mostly from counter attacks. Finnan also had a tough time dealing with the tricky and skillfull Hunt.
Reina made a terrific save after he had lost control of the ball. He managed to get up and 'scoop' the ball over an attacker's head before catching it safely.
Reading's gaffa, Copwell then brought on Bikey for Gunnarsson and the former managed to give Liverpool more pressure than before.
Finally the game was ended when Liverpool had a corner. I was replying Savio's sms when the croner was taken. He asked me about the score and status of the game as he couldnt watch it. I replied 1-0 but i felt that a goal was gonna come. Honest! Then within seconds, this happened.
The corner from Gerrard was flicked on at the center of the Royal's penalty box and Carragher who stood infron to Reading's keeper, Hahnemann who vision was blocked. He did not manage to have a grip on the ball and it fell to Kuyt in midair.
The flying dutchman then jumped and positioned himself for a 'mini scissors kick' and thats it 2-0 game finished. The dutch master has sucessfully scored in every start this season.
Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Pennant, Zenden, Alonso, Gerrard (captain), Crouch, Kuyt. Subs - Martin, Sissoko, Fowler, Gonzalez, Agger
Reading: Hahnemann, Shorey, Sonko, Ingimarsson (captain), Gunnarsson, Hunt, Sidwell, Harper, Little, Doyle, Sodje. Subs - Oster, Ki-Hyeon, Bikey, Long, Federici
Referee: Uriah Rennie
Conditions: Cold and overcast
Attendance: 43,741
Player Ratings:Reina 7.5/10
Kept a clean sheet and was strong when he charged to clear a ball when pressured by a Reading player. He cleared the ball and took the impact of the clash.
Finnan 7/10
Didnt have a very good day as he was constantly tormented by the skillful Hunt.
Carragher 8/10
Came to our rescue when most needed. He managed to deflect Harper's shot and put it out for a corner. Went foward and even had a shot that was close to be on target.
Hyypia 7/10
Covered the left area other then his centre back area. Went foward many times and also had a shot that just caught the keeper in awe but unfortunately curled out.
Riise 7.5/10
Did well defending and didnt went foward as much as usual. Was disciplined and sticked to his defensive chores and did well against Harper.
Pennant 7/10
Is not as weak as before but didnt really contribute anything to the game. He drawed many opponents to him before releasing teammates many times.
Gerrard 8/10
Our captain is back isnt he? He did well on the left flank, torturing Sonko on many occasions and his ball lead to Kuyt's first goal.
Alonso 7.5/10
Defended really, really well. He remained behind whenever the team attacked, being the last outfield player all the time. His presence in the centre of the park caused Reading all sorts of problem as his balls went from left to right and from right to left.
Zenden 6.5/10
Ok wtf. Zenden cant play at the flanks and in the mid area. The only good thing about him though is that he is hardworking. I rather have Sissoko for him.
Kuyt 8.5/10
Another top notch performance. What can i ask for to have such a player with a such a goal scoring record. Yes his record in England is bad though 5 goals in like 14 games or something? But he has managed to score in every start.
Crouch 7.5/10
Went to the midfield area to help out quite a few times. Assisted Kuyt to his first goal.
Subs:Gonzalez NA
He wasnt involved in the game, AT ALL.
Fowler NA
Same goes for him too. Came into the game too late.
Sissoko 7.5/10
Better than Zenden by a wooping 1238912830912737812 loads.
Labels: EPL, Liverpool
