In the build-up to the match, Reading boss Steve Coppell had asked the home fans to make more noise and his players certainly gave the supporters something to shout about with a committed and energetic team performance. It was end-to-end stuff in the early stages, with the emphasis on speed rather than quality, and it took a defensive mistake to break the deadlock. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez gave young centre-back Jack Hobbs his first Premier League start, but it was a foul by the vastly experienced Carragher which led to the Reds falling behind on 15 minutes. Carragher brought Gunnarsson down as the Reading midfielder burst forward and referee Andre Marriner, despite vehement Liverpool protests, decided the offence was inside the box, giving Hunt the chance to convert from the spot. The goal sparked a brief purple patch for the home side as they began to stretch Liverpool from flank to flank, with Bobby Convey's screamer from the edge of the box going agonisingly close after a precise passing move.
Reading's lead did not last long though, as their porous defence crumbled to concede their 33rd Premier League goal of the season. Torres controlled Pepe Reina's punt upfield under no pressure from Ibrahima Sonko before squaring the ball to Gerrard, and the England midfielder eased past Hunt and passed the ball into the net for his ninth goal in 10 games. Sonko's questionable challenge on Torres soon after led to half-hearted appeals for a Liverpool penalty, but replays suggested the centre-back had got a touch of the ball. The half ended with Liverpool well on top, dominating possession and territory, but they were unable to fashion a clear-cut chance despite a couple of decent self-made efforts from Andriy Voronin. Liverpool started the second period purposefully, with Torres flashing a diving header just wide from Peter Crouch's cross. A comical piece of defending from Gunnarsson, who played the entire Liverpool team onside from a free-kick before belatedly rushing out, gave Hobbs the chance to mark his full league debut with a goal but the 19-year-old smashed the ball into the stands. John Arne Riise's trademark swerving free-kick drew a fine save from Hahnemann as Liverpool pressed hard for a second goal. Gerrard went even closer with a brilliant strike from distance which rattled off the bar, and the near miss proved a decisive moment as 60 seconds later Doyle got a faint touch with his forehead to Nicky Shorey's dangerous ball into the box. If there was a hint of fortune about Doyle's effort, there was no doubt whatsoever about the quality of Harper's goal soon after. The midfielder took a clever pass back inside from Convey and outstripped Riise before clinically rounding Reina and slotting home on 66 minutes. Benitez's decision to bring Gerrard off with 20 minutes to go seemed strange given the captain's influence on proceedings, but Liverpool did continue to create chances. Substitute Harry Kewell went close, and Crouch just missed making contact with a low Carragher ball into the box. Crouch went even closer moments later as he hit the post with a well-struck effort from outside the box, but Reading were good value for a win that takes them up to 12th in the table.
Source: BBC Sport
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