LIVERPOOL 2 - 1 READING
Saturday 15 March 2008 15:00 , Barclays Premier League
MASCH SCORES IN SEVENTH STRAIGHT WIN
Javier Mascherano bagged his first Liverpool goal as the Reds came from behind to make it seven wins on the bounce with a 2-1 victory over Reading on Saturday.
Once again, however, the name Fernando Torres is likely to hog the headlines after El Nino became the first Anfield player since Robbie Fowler in 1995-96 to net 20 league goals in a season.
The victory, which consolidates fourth spot, means Rafa Benitez's side now have 59 points - as many as Liverpool have ever had after 30 Premier League games.
Suddenly, after a season marred by disappointing draws and off-the-field events, things are starting to look up.
True to his word, Benitez once again selected his big guns, with Torres and Gerrard leading a four-man attack which has proved so effective in recent weeks.
No surprises either in the Reading gameplan, the likeable Steve Coppell sending his men out to defend with the hope of pinching something on the break.
Coppell, then, doubtless thought all his Easters had come at once when his side silenced the home crowd within five minutes with Marek Matejovsky's stunning drive into the top corner.
The sucker-punch was even harder to take due to the fact it came after referee Andre Marriner wrongly adjudged Alvaro Arbeloa of an infringement down the right.
A month or two ago Liverpool may have wilted, but here was a side with new resilience; a side that triumphed in the San Siro just four days ago.
A raft of chances followed, first when the recalled Xabi Alonso grazed the top of the bar with a majestic hit from 20 yards. The new father was clearly on a mission to dedicate a goal to little Jon, coming close again later in the half with a terrific left-foot volley.
Next, though, it was Liverpool's dynamic duo, Gerrard and Torres, who threatened, the number eight threading his partner in crime through only for the smart reaction of Marcus Hahnemann to thwart proceedings. From there the skipper tried his luck with a neat knee and volley. Not this time, but the leveller was coming.
It arrived on 19 minutes from the unlikeliest of sources. Mascherano, without a goal in 43 prior appearances, has been peppering opposition goals with speculative efforts for months, and it finally paid off when he navigated Stephen Hunt before unleashing a dynamite Kop end strike. His celebration, like his midfield play, was understandably beastly.
Rafa's 4-2-3-1 was now in full flow. It took a brilliant reflex save from Hahnemann to prevent a second when Ryan Babel jinked past two defenders and smashed the ball goalwards.
The Dutch dynamo then went one better by rippling the back of the net with a near-post header. Unfortunately, the linesman's flag was correctly raised.
Perhaps the best opportunity to take the lead before half-time fell to Dirk Kuyt, who volleyed just over from the penalty spot after good work from Alvaro Arbeloa down the right.
Never mind, for within three minutes of the restart the new king of the Premier League reacquainted himself with The Royals' net.
Back in September, Torres scored his first hat-trick in English football against Coppell's men - now he was their scourge once more, leaping high above Kevin Doyle to nod home Gerrard's well-placed free-kick.
With his name on scoresheet, the Madrid matador then turned provider, feeding Babel on 62 minutes. The Dutch international made easy work of Liam Rosenoir but failed to keep his shot down.
Left-back Fabio Aurelio was next up with a curling dig from 30 yards. Hahnemann saved well and Torres was unable to direct the rebound on target.
Reading, by this stage totally devoid of attacking impetus, were getting frustrated. Andre Bikey, who had no cause for complaint at receiving a yellow card for a cynical push on the bombarding Stevie G, proceeded to square up to the Reds captain for an ugly exchange of words.
All that was left was an audacious 75-yard hit from Alonso. A third goal from his own-half in less than three years? Now, that would have made him the daddy. Sadly it bounced just inches wide.
Stay logged on to .tv for highlights on Sunday.
Teams
Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Babel, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (captain), Torres. Subs - Hyypia, Benayoun, Itandje, Crouch, Riise
Reading: Hahnemann, Shorey, Bikey, Ingimarsson (captain), Rosenior, Hunt, Harper, Matejovsky, Oster, Long, Doyle. Subs - Sonko, Kebe, Kitson, Federici, Cisse
Referee: Andre Marriner
Conditions: Dry
Attendance: 43,524
Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Javier Mascherano
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