Dirk Kuyt grabbed an 85th minute winner to seal yet another fine comeback for the reds.
Liverpool had to come from behind twice to seal the win at Anfield today to keep them level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table. A brace from in form Amr Zaki, twice gave Wigan the lead, but true to form, Rafa’s men never gave up and two goals from Kuyt and a first in a red shirt for Albert Riera gave Liverpool all three points.
Wigan started the game the brightest and were soon rewarded when after 29 minutes Zaki robbed Daniel Agger of the ball on the edge of the area and slotted past Pepe Reina.
The lead didn’t last long however when just eight minutes later Agger made up for his defensive mistake to roam forward and cut back for Kuyt to net his second league goal of the season.
The Anfield faithful expected Liverpool to push on and get a second, which nearly came courtesy of Kuyt again who pulled a fine finger tipped save from former red Chris Kirkland who pushed the effort on to the bar.
Wigan did not let the Liverpool dominance last for long as right before half time, Zaki netted his second of the game and his seventh of the season. It is fair to say it was a goal of the month contender as he spectacularly volleyed the ball into the top corner to stun Anfield.
Liverpool needed to emerge for the second half composed, and it was a similar sight to that when Stoke City came to town. Wigan put 10 men behind the ball and attempted to frustrate the life out of Liverpool just as Stoke did.
It seemed to be working, Riera, Kuyt and Agger coming close but not being able to finish off good moves, from a lively and impressive Jermaine Pennant.
The turning point of the half certainly came on 74 minutes when Valencia who had been booked five minutes earlier, received his second yellow card and his marching orders by Alan Whiley for a reckless challenge on Xabi Alonso.
Liverpool seized the intiative and after a fine dummy from Steven Gerrard, Riera drilled home the equaliser from 18 yards with just 10 minutes remaining.
Down to 10 men, Wigan were looking weary and Kuyt pounced to volley home a Pennant cross just five minutes from time to send Anfield into raptures and seal a third straight victory for Liverpool.
TRAWK Man of the Match: Dirk Kuyt
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