Maxi Rodriguez Scores In Return to Liverpool Starting Lineup, Supporters Erupt With Approval

Kenny Dalglish gambled by starting Maxi Rodriguez in Sunday's game at Chelsea. The move paid immediate dividends as the veteran attacker scored Liverpool's first goal in its 2-1 victory win.

The move was a risky one because Rodriguez has not been a regular for Liverpool this season. Dalglish has limited him to Carling Cup action and Sunday's was only his second English Premier League game of the season. 

Fielding him at the home of one of the league's stronger teams could have backfired, but Dalglish says the Argentine international is always ready when his manager calls him for duty. 

"It seemed like a good idea at the time," Dalglish said about selecting Rodriguez. "He likes London, Maxi — he likes the temperature here! He's a really intelligent footballer, as is Craig Bellamy. The two of them really appreciate their profession, they know how to look after themselves. We know what we get from both the lads and you could see how good they are."

In the 34th minute, Rodriguez finished a flowing Liverpool move that started when Charlie Adam dispossesed John Mikel Obi in a dangerous position. He passed to Bellamy who worked a neat one-two with Luis Suarez. The Welshman found Rodriguez wide open in front of goalkeeper Petr Cech. His finish caused a minor earthquake on Twitter.

View the story "Maxi's Goal Delights Liverpool Supporters" on Storify]

Watch Maxi's goal in the video below and review all the action from Sunday's game in our Liverpool Live Blog.

 Photo via LiverpoolFC.tv