Orazio Gentileschi, St Francis and the Angel
“Steven Gerrard rescued Liverpool again with an equaliser at the Madejski Stadium to earn an FA Cup third-round replay against Reading and avoid an embarrassing defeat. It was hardly the most influential performance from Gerrard but the Liverpool skipper produced a goal when his side needed it most, as he does so often, meaning the two clubs will meet again at Anfield. Simon Church had bundled in an opener to give the hosts the scent of an upset but Gerrard levelled before the break for Rafael Benitez’s men.” (ESPN)
The hunger that could drive Steven Gerrard away from Liverpool
“Another year, another transfer window. Time to wonder, do I dare? Roberto Mancini was probably only joking when he suggested Liverpool might like to make Manchester City a belated Christmas present of Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres, though for one member of that talented trio his humour must have touched a nerve.” (Guardian)
Liverpool frustrated by resurgent Reading
“STRANGE to think that four months ago Liverpool were favoured by many to win the league. A solitary game into 2010 and their domestic season has been reduced to a frantic attempt to cling onto a Champions League place and a hopeful tilt at the FA Cup.” (TimesOnline)
Reading 1 Liverpool 1 – Match Reaction
“In a season packed with dire performances, this may just be the worst yet. We didn’t lose, but we were outplayed for long spells by a team fighting relegation from the Championship. A team without their two best players. This was fucking terrible, especially considering the ’strength’ of the side we put out. Reading wanted it more, they were first to most loose balls and they passed the ball far better than we did. How can that happen? We’re not getting any better are we?” (Liverpool Way)
Reading 1 – 1 Liverpool
“Championship strugglers Reading deservedly forced a replay against Liverpool after an entertaining and finely balanced FA Cup third-round tie at the Madejski Stadium. Reading have won only five of their 24 Championship fixtures and are 20th in the table after a disappointing season that saw them recently part company with manager Brendan Rodgers. But the Royals, thrashed 4-1 at Plymouth on Monday, had spells when they were the superior side against a Liverpool team determined to prosper in the competition after their elimination from the Champions League and travails in the Premier League.” (BBC)
Reading 1 Liverpool 1: match report
“The FA Cup is supposed to be Liverpool’s chance at redemption, the competition that helps them salvage something from this spiralling season. With Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres in harness the intent was there to deliver a performance full of New Year’s resolve. Instead they delivered their season in microcosm – occasional hints of the team that this was supposed to be, subsumed in a mire of mediocrity.” (Telegraph)
Scissors Kick 