Reading rock Rafa

A marvellous performance by Reading saw Steve Coppell’s men chalk up Reading’s first ever win over Merseyside giants; Liverpool. Reading recorded a score of 3-1 with goals coming from Stephen Hunt, Kevin Doyle and James Harper. Among the goals was a controversial penalty, but the other two goals had no air of doubt to them at all.

It was assumed that Liverpool would hold plenty of confidence in their third visit to the Madejski Stadium. In September, the Reds knocked Reading out of the Carling Cup with a 4-2 victory that included a Fernando Torres hat trick. The four goals were added to the two Liverpool scored at the Madejski Stadium last season in a 2-1 win on Easter Saturday. Reading were hoping to gain some stock in the third time lucky theory and how they did just that.

If Liverpool’s minds were distracted by their forthcoming Champions League commitments; Liverpool face a vital Champions League tie against Marseille this week that they need to take points from in order to progress to the knockout stages; Reading wanted to take full advantage. It would hardly be used as an excuse by Rafael Benitez and what is more the Liverpool manager appeared to have his mind fully focused on Reading when he named a starting eleven that included Steven Gerrard; Fernando Torres; Javier Mascherano; Alvaro Arbeloa and Peter Crouch. Torres, the hat trick man from September, nearly got his fourth Madejski Stadium goal after just eight minutes. His shot was from point blank range but was kept out by Marcus Hahnemann’s shins.

However, Rafael Benitez was left fuming after 16 minutes when Jamie Carragher fouled Brynjar Gunnarsson on the edge of the Liverpool penalty box. Referee Andre Marriner pointed to the spot. However, it appeared that Marriner was not convinced. After a quick consultation with his assistant, Marriner once again confirmed the award of a spot kick. The next question would be who would take the penalty. With Kevin Doyle and Nicky Shorey having missed spot kicks this season, Stephen Hunt stepped up to convert the kick. The announcements from the PA box may have been slightly topsy-turvey, with yours truly mixing up the music and the goal announcement but a goal is a goal. With Liverpool still annoyed Bobby Convey could have doubled Reading’s lead, three minutes after the penalty but instead blasted wide.

Liverpool struck back in the 27th minute when Steven Gerrard, their effervescent captain powering through to equalise, holding off a group of Reading players to smash the ball hard and low to Marcus Hahnemann’s right. Gerrard, proved to be a menace for Reading to deal with. The England midfielder could also have scored a second when he struck the crossbar in the second half. Liverpool also had a penalty claim turned down when, Fernando Torres was fouled in the box by Ibrahima Sonko. Referee Marriner wasn't having any of it though, much to the annoyance of Benitez. Peter Crouch sent a diving wide of the goal shortly after half time that looked dangerously close to going into the goal.

The next goal did come from an international though, but it was an international plying his trade in a blue and white hooped shirt. In fact the goal was a combination between two Reading internationals. England full back Nicky Shorey sent over a free kick from the right side, which Kevin Doyle, the Republic of Ireland international, glanced in with his head. With Reading regaining the lead, the only issue now was holding onto it. After all Liverpool had not lost a single league game this season.

James Harper sealed the fate of the Merseysiders in the 66th minute. Harper carried the ball from the centre circle with precision, purpose and power. Harper could have squared the ball to Kevin Doyle, but chose instead to hold onto the ball. Harper reached the Liverpool penalty box and was faced with the advancing Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina. Harper showed no signs of panic, but instead showed real relish rounding Reina and slotting the ball into the net for 3-1. It was dream football, but Liverpool weren’t finished just yet.

Second half substitute Harry Kewell shot wide of the Reading goal and Peter Crouch struck a post in stoppage time. However, Liverpool did not show enough fire to want to get back in the match. Rafael Benitez showed where his priorities lay when he substituted Steven Gerrard in the second half. Reading’s victory was thoroughly deserved and it is worth noting that Liverpool had not lost a game in the Premier League this season before today. It is also worth remembering that this one result won’t make Reading’s season, but it will certainly help.

As for Steve Coppell, well he always seems to come back against Liverpool. When managing Crystal Palace Coppell survived a 9-0 defeat at Anfield in 1989, to win an FA Cup Semi Final 4-3 against Liverpool at Villa Park later that season. Coppell has bounced back again today and stung a Liverpool side with eyes now firmly fixed on Europe and silenced the doubters who believe Coppell’s time may be up at Reading.

By Stuart Croucher.