Kuyt brace gives Reds victory despite Zaki's efforts
Kuyt's two goals cancelled out Zaki's efforts for Wigan
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Saturday, 18, Oct 2008 06:29
Dirk Kuyt scored a brace for Liverpool as they twice fought back from being a goal behind to defeat ten-man Wigan 3-2 at Anfield.
Amr Zaki put Wigan ahead midway through the first half and again on the stroke of half time. But when Antonio Valencia was sent off with 20 minutes to go the initiative was given to the home side.
Albert Riera levelled things before Kuyt snatched yet another late winner for Liverpool this season to help them remain level on point with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.
Daniel Agger will want to try and forget Zaki's opening goal. The Danish defender was made to look ponderous when he was dispossessed by the Egyptian on the edge of the area.
Zaki then made no mistake with the finish, sliding it past Pepe Reina into the side of the goal.
Agger atoned for the error eight minutes later as he instigated the Liverpool equaliser. He surged forward from the back but the Wigan defenders backed off allowing him room.
Following a neat one-two with Riera, Agger fed in Dirk Kuyt who scored from the edge of the six yard box.
Zaki's second goal was a dream strike that will be oft-repeated. Valencia's cross drifted to the edge of the 18 yard box only to be met by Zaki's bicycle kick which sent the ball into the corner of Reina's goal – leaving Anfield stunned on the stroke of half time.
The Reds put Wigan under increasing pressure after the break with Chris Kirkland having to make a smart save from Kuyt.
The turning point came when Wigan were reduced to ten men when Valencia was given his second yellow card for a challenge on Xabi Alonso.
That seemed to give the Reds the impetus they needed and they were soon level thanks to Riera.
Steven Gerrard dummied the ball to allow the Spaniard extra room and he finished from 20 yards out, sending the ball into the bottom corner.
Five minutes later Kuyt got his second and Liverpool's third. Jermaine Pennant's cross was slightly behind the Dutchman but he managed to spin and volley the ball past Kirkland.