Superb Sterling sinks Reading

Liverpool finally clinched their first home win of the season yesterday, as youngster Raheem Sterling netted the only goal midway through the first period to grab all three crucial points for the hosts against opponents Reading. The Reds dominated a game they really should have won by a more comfortable margin, but Reading failed to capitalise on Liverpool's profligacy when presented with opportunities to pinch a point late on.

Brad Jones replaced the injured Pepe Reina between the sticks, as the Spanish stopper missed his first League game in more than six years, while Sterling and Suso started up front alongside Suarez and Andre Wisdom was handed a starting berth at right back, with Glen Johnson reverting to left back.

On top of the world! Sterling celebrates his first Liverpool goal

The home side gained the ascendancy early on and never relinquished their position of dominance. Unsurprisingly, Liverpool's front three posed the biggest threat to Reading's back four, regularly combining to trouble McCarthy in the visitors' goal. After Suso's shot was deflected behind off Sahin, Sterling saw his shot blocked after receiving a pass from Suarez before the Uruguyuan had a go himself, guiding a clever lob onto the roof of the Anfield Road end net.

Sahin still had time to fire just over the bar, before Liverpool were rewarded for their early dominance with an opening goal from Raheem Sterling on the half hour mark. Suarez intelligently hooked the ball over the Reading defence and the former QPR player sprinted through on goal, clinically striking low beyond the keeper and into the bottom corner to become the second youngest Red to net in the Premier League, behind the infamous Michael Owen. It was an impressive strike from the number 31, and no less than Liverpool's first half display merited.

On 34 minutes Suarez fired just wide of the target, before a minute-long ironic celebration from the home crowd ensued after referee East eventually awarded the number seven a free kick, although their jubilation was quickly quashed when Suarez picked himself up and fired the set piece into the defensive wall.

The second half continued much in the same manner as the first, although the Merseysiders' failure to convert the chances they created and add to their advantage meant Anfield became gradually more nervous as the prospect of Reading denying Liverpool their first home League victory and nicking an undeserved point loomed large.

After Sterling shot straight at McCarthy, Johnson drove just over the bar and Suarez saw his shot saved after gliding skilfully past three defenders, Reading went close twice and Brad Jones displayed his talent. First, the Aussie keeper denied McCleary in a one-on-one situation. Then, he got down well to turn McAnuff's strike from distance away from danger. It was evidence of Jones' ability to remain focused despite long spells of inactivity while watching his teammates monopolise possession and dictate the pace of the game.

At the other end, Suarez hooked Sterling's cross over, Skrtel headed just over from Gerrard's corner and, after replacing Suso, Enrique set up Suarez, who shot agonisingly wide as he realised it just wasn't going to be his day in front of goal.

On form- Suso impressed in his first game since signing a new contract

With five minutes remaining Sterling received the standing ovation his performance deserved as he departed the field to be replaced by Jordan Henderson. His spirited display arguably proved to be the difference between the two teams. If he continues in this rich vein of form then there's no reason why he can't become a first team regular, even if Rodgers enters the January transfer window to buy some much-needed back-up in the striking department. Special praise must also be reserved for Brad Jones, who kept a crucial clean sheet and performed competently in place of Pepe Reina.

Overall, this is the type of display that Liverpool must look to replicate. With so few attacking options, goals are inevitably going to be hard to come by so, while we undoubtedly need to be more clinical in front of goal,  nicking a solitary strike and holding on to keep a clean sheet may be our best hope of taking all three points from matches during this campaign.

YNWA