After the first 45 minutes, I thought we'd go on and pile on a few in the second half, but it wasn't to be.
Jones played within his capabilities, not as comfortable on the ball as Pepe, so he did launch it more often, though this was far more apparent in the second half. Brad did command his area well though and was very vocal with his back line. Reading offered so little going forward in the first half, barely realized we had a centre back pairing and thought they both dealt with what they had to in the second, though Agger got a very soft yellow. Wisdom was a bit quieter yesterday, but recovered it when he looked beaten a couple of times. Johnspn had a storming game going forward, which left gaps that we plugged fairly well most of the time or Reading just failed to exploit it.
I thought Allen, for the first time really, looked a little uncomfortable at times, not enjoying being cut out by Jones, not wholly comfortable with some of his defensive duties. Gerrard played within himself, some nice passes with the outside and side of his foot, looked a little less comfortable when putting his foot through the ball and saw him hobbling a couple of times, hopefully from little knocks in the game. Thought that Sahin was anonymous in midfield, but got forward well but was wasteful with the chances he had.
Sterling's finish was great and he had a solid game as we continue to watch him blossom. A couple of moments in which he should have released earlier crosses, but decision making is something he's still learning and at least he's making a decision and not dithering on the ball. Suso was quiet, neat and tidy, but largely quiet. Suarez was his enigmatical best, though I thought Cummings dealt with him well in the first half. Should have got at least a brace yesterday though.
Of the subs, Enrique looked comfortable and worked well with Johnson at times, didn't see much of Henderson but Shelvey took his cameo and pressed his case to start yet again. Had one worrying moment, when I thought he was about to launch on of his trademark tackles, but he stayed on his feet and harried the player. Offered a lot going forward as well.
To use the overused phrase, it was a game of two halves yesterday and it was good to not get punished for a poorer second half performance. But I've said before, I'd take 30 1-0 wins in the league, season in, season out.
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