Echo: Aldo on Sterling goal

AUTHOR: JOHN ALDRIDGE

Much in the same way as Liverpool's overall performance, Raheem Sterling could have played better against Reading.

Still the 17-year-old got the only goal of the game, which is a fabulous moment for him, and he will be filled with even more positive vibes now.

You really can't put into words what it means to score your first goal at Anfield, it is incredibly special and Raheem's celebration showed you that.

It was a great move all round for the goal, a great run from Sterling and a fine pass from Luis Suarez.
Making these intelligent runs is what Liverpool's wingers have got to be doing and so far I have been impressed with the formation Brendan Rodgers is playing and the positions he is encouraging the wide men to take up.

They must become almost like semi-centre forwards because goals have to come from our wingers this season, if the team is going to be successful.

We need Luis Suarez to be getting 20 goals and the two wide men to pitch in with 10 each.

You may say that is putting pressure on Sterling and Suso, two teenagers, but we have to have confidence that the manager will shield these lads from over expectancy and be able to get the best out of them.

Brendan knows the score and will make sure Raheem keeps his feet firmly on the ground and that he does not get carried away with all the hype.

Some football players act like they are movie stars when praise gets levelled at them but Rodgers will make sure there is no risk of that happening with Raheem.

I managed to get an early tee-off time in my charity golf day in Portugal on Saturday, so I could still catch the game.

Strangely, it was probably as bad as I've seen us play all season yet we still got the win - that much-needed first win at Anfield in the Premier League as well.

But sometimes, as Brendan knows, you have to win 'ugly' because at the moment it is all about winning games.

Not for the first time, Liverpool missed some great chances and Reading's belief was growing as the game wore on because they sensed they may be able to get something from the game.

Brad Jones pulled off a great save early in the second half to keep the lead intact.

Liverpool passed the ball nowhere near as well as we know they can and, as I say, the finishing on Saturday was really poor but it is three points and a win we must build on.

It is a win, a clean sheet and there are positives we must build on.

Source: Liverpool Echo