Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says he was left both impressed and frustrated by the way that Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy kept the Reds at bay to hold out for a 0-0 draw at the Madjeski Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Despite having a strong attacking line-up on the pitch of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool couldn’t break the deadlock and saw eleven shots on target cleared by McCarthy and a resolute Reading defence.
The goalless draw was Liverpool’s second scoreless game within a week, but Rodgers doesn’t believe his attack could have done anything more to score past McCarthy, who he used to work with.
He told reporters after the game, “I don’t think our players could have done anymore. Some of our interchange and creativity today was outstanding.
“Some days you say you have days like that when the ‘keeper makes one or two good saves, but we had 14 shots on target today away from home.
“I know young Alex very well – he’s genuinely going to be a top, top ‘keeper. To perform like that having been out for so long – it was an absolutely staggering performance.
“We’re frustrated, of course, Some of our play was very, very good. We had to defend counter-attacks a couple of times, which is natural when you have the ball and you’re on the front foot. We mustn’t forget Pepe Reina made a great save as well.”
Liverpool remain in seventh place in the Premier League table, but following Everton‘s 2-0 victory over QPR this afternoon are now five points behind the Toffees.
Next week sees the return of Rafa Benitez to Anfield when Chelsea come to Anfield, chasing Champions League qualification hopes.
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