Goals from Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres were enough for Liverpool to see off a hard-working Reading side at Anfield.

In a game in where Liverpool were forced to work hard for their win, it was Reading who started the stronger, Kevin Doyle almost opened the scoring after just forty seconds, capitalising on some casual early defending by the home side.

Reading took the lead, with Marek Matejovsky firing a fantastic strike into the net from just outside the area, the goal of the season contender was Matejovsky’s first for Reading.

The early goal shocked the Anfield crowd, who remained quiet until Javier Mascherano equalised with an equally stunning strike after 19 minutes.

Liverpool then looked the most likely to score again, with Torres coming close only to be prevented by some fantastic goalkeeping from Marcus Hahnemann, the Reading defence held firm and it was all square at the break.

The home side eventually made the breakthrough just after half time, with a Gerrard free kick finding an unmarked Torres who scored his 20th Premier League goal of the season.

In the remainder of the half, Liverpool were in relative control and the only surprise was that they didn’t extend their lead.