---
title: "On this day: Late Dirk Kuyt header earns Liverpool crucial win"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/on-this-day-late-dirk-kuyt-header-earns-liverpool-crucial-win/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Articles"
published: "2021-04-07T08:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-04-07T08:00:00Z"
---

# On this day: Late Dirk Kuyt header earns Liverpool crucial win

On this day (7 April) 2007, Liverpool crept past Reading [2-1](https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/Game/5025) at the Madejski Stadium – remarkably the [first time](https://www.11v11.com/teams/liverpool/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Reading/) the club had made the trip to the Berkshire based club.

Dutch workhorse Dirk Kuyt earned all three points with an [86th-minute header](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTvhfS7WCWg) as the valiant Royals were outdone.

A first goal for the club from Spanish full-back Alvaro Arbeloa had given the Reds the lead at the 15-minute mark before [Icelandic midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson levelled](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6513355.stm) with a long-range effort past Pepe Reina.

Kuyt [replaced Craig Bellamy](https://www.premierleague.com/match/5883) shortly after half-half time for Rafa Benítez’s side, the pre-cursor to nodding the visitors [five points clear](https://www.premierleague.com/tables?co=1&se=15&ha=-1) of Arsenal in 3rd.

The Liverpool side on this day contained such memorable names as Momo Sissoko, [Mark Gonzalez](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-mark-gonzalez-doctors-heart-20258696) and Steve Finnan.

At the end of the campaign, the Reds [finished third](https://www.premierleague.com/tables?co=1&se=15&ha=-1) level on 68 points with the Gunners, both someway behind Chelsea in second and title-winners Manchester United.