Keane ends goal drought in Liverpool win over PSV
Keane scored his first goal for Liverpool since his summer arrival
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Wednesday, 01, Oct 2008 11:02
Robbie Keane has scored his maiden goal for Liverpool during a comfortable 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
Rafael Benitez's men remain top of group D after two games thanks to a dominant display at Anfield.
Captain Steven Gerrard was also on the scoresheet. The second-half strike was a historic one for the midfielder who notched his 100th goal for the club.
Liverpool started brightly against their Dutch opponents and Dirk Kuyt put them ahead as early as the fourth minute.
PSV goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson could not hold on to Fernando Torres' shot and Kuyt was able to force the rebound past him– although the Swedish keeper should have done better with the follow-up.
The Dutch side threatened rarely with only one striker up front and that invited pressure from the Reds.
Keane should have been awarded a penalty when he was tripped by Carlos Saicido, before Torres went close with a header from Fabio Aurelio's corner.
However, the home side eventually found the net again much to the delight of Keane and the Kop.
Torres and Kuyt combined down the right flank before the Spaniard crossed to find Keane in space in the box. Although the ball bobbled high the Irishman showed great control to sweep it past Isaksson.
The relief was there for all to see and Keane celebrated with his trademark somersault.
In the second half Otman Bakkal and Nordin Amrabat both had efforts on goal for PSV as they upped their work-rate, but neither strike was on target.
Former Liverpool defender Jan Kromkamp almost gifted Torres a goal midway through the second period but his attempted flick went just wide.
Liverpool finally made it 3-0 when Gerrard thundered home a free-kick from 30-yards out. His landmark goal was certainly a memorable effort and sparked a party atmosphere inside Anfield.
That may have led to a slip in concentration as PSV got a late consolation goal through Danny Koevermans who beat Pepe Reina at the far post.
However, the night belonged to Keane and Gerrard who returned to the pitch to applaud the Liverpool fans after the final whistle.