LIVERPOOL // It was an afternoon of firsts at Anfield. If Brendan Rodgers's maiden Premier League win on home turf felt overdue, however, it was a sign of Raheem Sterling's precocity that he opened his Liverpool account. In their 120-year existence, only one player has struck at a younger age.
If it was historic, it was also timely. Never, in their distinguished past, had Liverpool failed to win any of their first home league games of the season. During a subdued start, that appeared a possibility until the teenage winger turned match-winner.
It was just the third time in the calendar year Liverpool claimed three points at home. When that dreadful run began, Sterling was yet to debut but has progressed swiftly since. After his second league start, he received an England call-up. His seventh start was marked with a goal.
He finds himself in distinguished company. Only Michael Owen has registered for Liverpool when less than his 17 years and 317 days and, with his pace and composure in front of goal, there were hints of Owen about Sterling. "It was a wonderful finish and he is a terrific talent," said Rodgers.
It was a reward for his dynamism and his side's dominance. Their problem was a constant at Anfield this year: missed chances. An otherwise impressive performance could have resulted in a rout. Instead, Reading, yet to win this season themselves, retained a chance of a point until the final whistle.
"It was a terrific performance," Rodgers added, but with a caveat. "We had 19 shots on goal and need to improve our finishing."
The one exception was Sterling. Luis Suarez had come close with a deft chip that nestled on the roof of the net before an equally inventive touch, a first-time flick with the outside of his right foot sent Sterling scurrying through. With time to consider his options, the teenager selected the right one and drilled his 18-yard shot past goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. "He has a good head on young shoulders," his manager said.
He also looked Liverpool's most clinical finisher. Suarez displayed pace and persistence, but not penetration as he missed a further hat-trick of chances, each easier than the last. "He was fantastic but he will be disappointed he didn't score," Rodgers said.
The Uruguayan was not the only culprit - Martin Skrtel, Jonjo Shelvey and Steven Gerrard all had opportunities to add to the lead - but his profligacy could have been costly.
With a hamstring strain keeping Pepe Reina out, Brad Jones made a belated first league start, two years after his arrival. It may have been worth the wait.
The Australian was twice called upon to deny Jobi McAnuff, once when the winger was clean through on goal, denying Reading an equaliser.
"In the second half, I honestly thought we were going to get something," said manager Brian McDermott.
The reality, though, is that seven games into their season, they are yet to win.
"Reading will be fine," said Rodgers, the manager they sacked in 2009, an expert in ending a lengthy wait himself after the elusive home win was secured. "It has been a long time coming," he remarked.
So long, indeed, that the last came when Kenny Dalglish was manager, Andy Carroll leading the line and Sterling was an unknown.
Now, while they have been consigned to the past, he represents Liverpool's future.
sports@thenational.ae
TOURNAMENT INFO
2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Regional Qualifier
The top three teams progress to the Asia Qualifier
Thursday results
UAE beat Kuwait by 86 runs
Qatar beat Bahrain by five wickets
Saudi Arabia beat Maldives by 35 runs
Friday fixtures
10am, third-place playoff – Saudi Arabia v Kuwait
3pm, final – UAE v Qatar
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
War
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor
Rating: Two out of five stars
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
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The End of Loneliness
Benedict Wells
Translated from the German by Charlotte Collins
Sceptre
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
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Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
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Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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