Liverpool posted just their third Premier League victory at Anfield in 2012 as they earned a 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday afternoon.

Raheem Sterling struck the solitary goal, finishing well into the corner after a chipped through ball from Luis Suarez – who was at his wasteful best as the Reds failed to carve out a bigger lead.

The hosts made just one change following their disappointing 0-0 draw with Stoke last time out, as goalkeeper Pepe Reina – injured on international duty with Spain – dropped out for Brad Jones. Royals boss Brian McDermott, meanwhile, swapped Jay Tabb and Noel Hunt for Mikele Leigertwood and Danny Guthhrie respectively, after his side threw away a 2-0 lead to draw with Swansea in their last outing.

Keen to atone for their limp showing against the Potters, Liverpool began the game brightly, with Nuri Sahin flagged narrowly offside after latching onto a lofted ball in the box with just minutes on the clock.

Reading were dealt an early blow as Jem Karacan was forced to leave the field following a cruching 50-50 challenge with Steven Gerrard, with Gareth McCleary sent on as his replacement. And things almost immediately got worse for the visitors, as Sahin shot inches over from a Sterling pull back in the box.

The young winger was unwisely being given the freedom of Anfield by the Royals and had not always used it effectively, but more than made up for that with 29 minutes on the clock. An intelligent first-time pass from Suarez let Sterling free and, after taking one touch, he fired beyond Alex McCarthy to put the Reds in front.

The hosts continued to dominate the ball in the Reading half from that point, leading to a bizarre moment 40 minutes in which brought perhaps the loudest cheer from the Anfield crowd all season. Suarez jinked in front of the back four to draw a foul, prompting the referee to award a free-kick which was welcomed rapturously by all four corners of the ground in recognition of the perceived injustices the Uruguayan has been dealt this term.

In truth, the crowd had little else to cheer for the remainder for the first period, as matters came to a close with Liverpool one ahead.

It took just five minutes of the second half for Liverpool to go close again, as Suarez saw his shot across McCarthy well saved, but the Royals almost got themselves on terms after breaking with speed after that effort. McCleary beat the hosts’ offside trap with ease but Jones was more than equal to his tentative attempt at the near post.

That miss prompted Liverpool into attacking with more abandon and Suarez should have done better than striking Sterling’s cross over, following a delightful through ball from Sahin to start the attack.

Brendan Rodgers’ side went close twice in quick succession moments later with a McCarthy save from Gerrard’s shot and Shelvey’s poor touch denying them a two-goal cushion. And the typically profligate Suarez also contrived to keep the scores level with two horrendous misses in a matter of seconds at the Kop end.

But the hosts were let off for those misses, as the Royals failed to conjure an attack of real note with time running out.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is sure that his side will start to “fly” up the Premier League table sooner rather than later, just as long as the team find some consistency.

The Merseyside outfit have struggled to hit top form so far this season as they lie 14th after winning just one out of seven Premier League games.

However, despite their below-par start to the campaign, the boss is confident that their prospects will improve with some luck and consistency, while Rodgers is looking to turn Anfield into a fortress.

“When you look at the majority of our home games our performance level has been good and we’ve been unfortunate not to pick up a result,” Rodgers told reporters.

“Our biggest focus now is just to get some consistency in our results.

“The reality in 2012 is we have won two league games at Anfield and, on top of that, it is over a year since there has been back-to-back Premier League [home] wins.

“We have to focus on what we can control, go into the game with a clear, defined plan and if it’s not working then be flexible in terms of looking to put that right.

“Once we get that result then hopefully we can fly from there. We really want to make our home ground a fortress.”

The club is the subject on an ongoing fly-on-the-wall documentary entitled ‘Being: Liverpool’, which offers various insights into behind of scenes of Liverpool.

A recent episode captured Rodgers using a motivation technique, used by Sir Alex Ferguson in the past, where he shows his squad three envelopes containing the names of three players he thinks may let the team down in the upcoming season.

The Manchester United manager later revealed his envelopes were empty, but the 39-year-old remained coy on the subject, suggesting he will continue to use similar techniques after a good response from his players.

“You are always looking to motivate players and you find different ways of doing it,” he continued. “I think the players quite enjoyed it wanting to know whether they were in [the envelope] or not.

“I always search for ways to motivate them, especially with top players because top players like the challenge. My job is to provide motivation and managers and coaches do it in different ways.”

Rodgers’ men play host to his ex-club Reading on Saturday, a side that the Reds have only beaten once in their last four meetings.

Although his time in charge of the Royals did not go according to plan, recording just six wins from 23 games in a short six-month spell in charge, the coach indicated it was a learning experience that he is better off for.

“Reading are an excellent club,” he added. “I first went to them when I was 13 and they played a big part of my life.

“I was fortunate to get the managerial job but it did not quite work out how I would have wished. But I learned from the experience and ultimately that will pave the way for me.

“It proved to be a difficult six months, especially with what I was trying to implement which was always going to need that bit of extra time.

“But I came away from that and learned from the experience and reflected upon it. It prepared me going forward and I was able to take those things into the rest of my career.”

Liverpool midfielder Suso has put pen to paper on a new contract with the club.

The 18-year-old joined the Merseyside outfit from his local side Cadiz in 2010, featuring in the Reds’ youth and reserves teams before making his senior debut against Young Boys in the Europa League in September.

The teen has now played for the first team on four occasions, and indicated that manager Brendan Rodgers’ belief in him was a huge factor behind the extension.

“I am really happy,” the Spaniard tole the club’s official website. “Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and this is the right place for me.

“I am happy Brendan has shown trust in me. I had no questions about signing a new deal and I am really glad to have done so.

“I am comfortable here. I have played some games for the first team and I hope to continue doing that, but I need to work hard every day for that to happen.

“This is one of the best days of my life.”

Rodgers had indicated on Thursday that a deal was near completion, stating that he has been really impressed with the youngster’s technique and creativity.

The Northern Irishman reiterated his thoughts about the player’s abilities, adding that his commitment to the club is great news.

The 39-year-old said: “We are all delighted Suso has committed his long-term future to Liverpool Football club.

“At 18, he has demonstrated outstanding technical qualities but also shown very good temperament to play for such a prestigious club.

“His commitment is very good news for all our young Academy players and the excellent work taken place by the Academy coaches and staff.”