Liverpool 2 - 1 Reading

Javier Masherano opened his Liverpool scoring account Saturday. This came after Marek Matejovski opened his Reading account with an unstoppable blast from a set piece in the 5th minute. Matejovski's goal was out of the very top drawer; the result of a free kick directed laterally from left to right, where Matejovski took the ball on the volley as it crossed his body. Masherano replied with a net-tearer shortly thereafter. The game winning goal came from the second highest scorer in the league, Fernando Torres. Torres has made a bright start to his Liverpool career, and is on track for 25 league goals in his debut season. His goal was headed in from a Gerrard free kick.

Other events of note: Alonso is finding his form back, having made the sorts of passes we got used to in previous years. Rafa has also noted that he's got a contract written up for Xabi's new son, who he believes will be carrying on the Alonso tradition of fine footballing. We're building a dynasty. Alonso also got did well as a ballwinner, combining with Masherano to allow Gerrard to concentrate on attack. Finally, Alonso wasn't far off this season's goal from his own half after the American Hahnemann came forward for a set piece. More of that, please.

Arbeloa looked comfortable on the right, keeping a cool head against the hotheaded and ill-tempered Stephen Hunt. Babel was again useful on the left but couldn't take his chances. This player will develop to be fantastic. Kuyt had a typical Kuyt match: run ragged but ultimately brought little to the side. The combination of Gerrard roaming about the park and Torres lurking up front is lethal. Liverpool played at 50% and never looked like anything less but winning.

Extended highlights at:
http://www.footytube.com/2008/03/15/liverpool-2-1-reading/