Kuyt inspires Reds revival

Liverpool gave notice of their title credentials with a remarkable 3-2 victory at home to Wigan.

An Amr Zaki brace had the Latics ahead at the break, but two goals from Dirk Kuyt and a first for the club from Albert Riera saw the Reds claim three vital points.

A bright opening, on a slick surface, saw Wigan take the game to Liverpool from the off, although they were handed their opener on 29 minutes through some incompetent defending from the Reds.

Jose Reina's ill-advised pass to Daniel Agger saw the centre-half dwell on the ball long enough for Zaki to nip in, steal possession, and fire low into the bottom corner.

Rafa Benitez's side then came to life and levelled matters eight minutes later as Agger, making amends for his earlier error, laid on a simple finish for Kuyt.

The Dutch striker then crashed a 20-yard effort off the crossbar before Zaki stunned Anfield with a screamer seconds before the break.

Antonio Valencia's persistence down the right saw him throw a hopeful delivery into the box, from which his Egyptian team-mate sent an acrobatic volley arching into the top corner.

Wigan then looked comfortable during the second period until Valencia's recklessness 15 minutes from time saw him pick up two yellow cards in quick succession and head for an early bath.

Five minutes later and the 10-men were broken as Riera drilled home from the edge of the box following good work by Nabil El Zhar.

The turnaround was then completed on 85 minutes as Jermaine Pennant's cross picked out Kuyt, who scuffed a volley into the roof of net.

Posted in: EPL