Brendan Rodgers made just one change to a Liverpool side that beat Zenit 3-1 at home in their last match; Phillipe Coutinho coming in for Jordan Henderson, Luis Suarez remained as a central striker with Daniel Sturridge missing out through injury.
Liverpool got off to a perfect start with a rare headed goal for Stewart Downing after just 2 minutes, the winger heading home after brilliant piece of skill and a well placed cross Phillipe Coutinho. The Brazilian was instrumental in Liverpool’s dominant performance, showing flashes of tremendous skill, quick footwork and an instinct for a killer pass, as shown with his second assist of the day on 18 minutes. Coutinho received the ball from Gerrard, who made his 400th Premier League appearance, and slotted a well placed pass through the Wigan defense to find Suarez one on one with keeper Al-Habsi. The Uruguayan showing his usual composure and finishing ability calmly placed a shot into the bottom corner. Wigan could have pulled one back if not for an immaculate save by Pepe Reina, the keeper touching the ball over with a fine diving effort. Liverpool continued to put pressure on Wigan and were rewarded in the 34th minute. Suarez was brought down by a Wigan defender and converted his 5th free kick of the campaign, with a little help from a deflection of the wall. Al-Habsi tried to get down to his bottom corner but could do nothing but help the ball over the line with a clumsy effort of a save. Reina helped take Liverpool into halftime with a 3-0 lead; providing yet another magnificent diving save, this time from a Franco Di Santo header.
The tie was well and truly put to bed just four minutes after the restart, with Suarez finishing with an outside foot effort through Al-Habsi’s legs after a trademark Glen Johnson run down the right. With the win effectively sealed, Liverpool were content to play solid defense and keep a clean sheet. Pepe Reina made a couple of nice saves and Jordan Henderson had a chance to make it five with a close range header in a second half that played out to the tune of many famous songs from the traveling KOP. The Reds faithful were in full voice for chants that included Luis Garcia and Rafael Benitez. Not to cause any jealousy; the traveling Kop followed up with “There’s only one Brendan Rodgers.
It was a great win on the road for Liverpool. Coutinho was brilliant, Reina was back to his best and Luis Suarez added yet another hat-trick to his resume. It was the perfect tune-up for next weekend’s clash with Tottenham at Anfield. Two contenders for Player of the Season will be on show; Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez. Bale has been in good form recently, but Suarez now sits at the top of the Premier League goal charts with 21 goals. Two ahead of Robin Van Persie.
Player Ratings
Liverpool:
Pepe Reina: 9/10
Glen Johnson: 8/10
Jamie Carragher: 7/10
Daniel Agger: 7/10
Jose Enrique: 7/10
Stewart Downing: 8/10
Steven Gerrard: 7/10
Lucas Leiva: 7/10
Joe Allen: 7/10
Phillipe Coutinho: 9/10
Luis Suarez: 10/10 Man Of The Match
Subs:
Jordan Henderson: 6/10
Wigan:
Ali Al- Habsi: 2/10
Emerson Boyce: 3/10
Paul Scharner: 4/10
Gary Caldwell: 4/10
Maynor Figueroa: 4/10
James McArthur: 2/10
Jean Beausejour: 5/10
James McCarthy: 4/10
Shuan Maloney: 2/10
Arouna Kone: 4/10
Franco Di Santo: 3/10
Subs:
Antolin Alcaraz: 3/10
Espinoza: 4/10
Callum McManaman: 4/10
