Matejovsky wonder strike not enough

The convivial atmosphere that always seems to exist at Anfield in the immediate build up to a match took just four minutes to disappear. Marek Matejovsky created a thunderous shot that blazed its way from the edge of the Liverpool penalty box past Pepe Reina and into the net. In truth Liverpool had hardly seen the ball, so virtually the first action by any Liverpool player was to pick the ball out of the net.

Reading’s delight and in particular Matejovsky's was extremely evident. Liverpool on the other hand was stunned by Reading’s effervescent start. Liverpool’s away win in Inter Milan on Tuesday was some win, but Reading’s visit to Anfield was posing a different threat to Rafael Benitiez’ team. Reading played the ball around, as Liverpool appeared to be waiting for the alarm clock.

The wake up call came in the 19th minute when Javier Mascherano scored a brilliant goal from 23 yards out. The goal was as good as Matejovsky’s opener, but from the Reading perspective it was disappointing to not keep a third consecutive clean sheet. Liverpool would be the next team to feel disappointed when Ryan Babel’s near post header was chalked off. Xabi Alonso came very close to putting Liverpool in front before the break with a long-range shot that bounced just past Marcus Hahnemann’s left-hand post.

The second half was only three minutes old when Fernando Torres headed Liverpool in front for the first time. Torres’ goal was his 20th of the season and it is the first time in twelve years that a Liverpool striker has reached such a target. Liverpool seemed to seize the initiative as a result of Torres’ goal. Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio all had chances to seal the points for Liverpool, but were either thwarted by Marcus Hahnemann or could only direct their efforts wide of the target.

Liverpool were carving out decent chances in a second half they were controlling, however it was Reading who had the most tangible effort in the closing exchanges. Dave Kitson appeared to have a shot charged down in the area by the arm of Steven Gerrard. The referee did not award a penalty and on closer inspection of the incident, one can see it is very difficult to determine whether Gerrard’s contact was deliberate. In truth it probably wasn’t, so perhaps the referee got the decision correct.

Reading played really well and were concerning Liverpool so much in the final moments of the game that Rafael Benitez replaced Steven Gerrard with defender Sami Hyypia. Reading’s performance may have deserved a point, and perhaps it may have come had the Reading goal arrived later in the game. However, football and indeed fate don’t work like that. The class of Torres and Gerrard were in the end too much for Reading. However, the Matejovsky goal and the twenty minutes or so that saw Reading lead at Anfield, did warm the heart on the long journey home and the performance will also help Reading in their quest to stay in the Premiership.

By Stuart Croucher.