Liverpool overcame a difficult start to beat Stoke City 4-1 and cut Chelsea’s lead at the top to six points. The Reds had dropped down to third after Manchester City’s win yesterday and things got off to a bad start as Stoke adopted a direct approach by putting two strikers up top.
Despite a bright opening 25 minutes, Stoke eventually conceded the upper hand to Liverpool who equalised through Adam Lallana. Roberto Firmino made it two just before half-time and from there on, Stoke were always going to find it difficult.
Liverpool came out with a similar intensity in the second half and were helped by Stoke’s defensive mistakes as first Imbula then Shawcross gifted goals to make the scoreline look one-sided. Here are three talking points from the game.
Stoke go back to the Pulis blueprint
It wasn’t the worst of ideas. Liverpool’s blueprint of pressing has harried most teams this season and Stoke have shifted to a more pass and move approach under Hughes. However, he decided to ditch the passing on the deck football and went two up front. Walters and Crouch can win a lot of aerial duels and the Stoke defenders often went long, thereby negating Liverpool’s press in the opening 30 minutes.
Despite doing well, Stoke failed to defend properly and two quick goals put them on the back foot. What didn’t help their cause is that they had two ageing forwards who became slightly worse for wear when the game went on. Defensive mistakes in the second half precipitated the little hope they had to get back in the game.
Potential goalkeeping worries?
Simon Mignolet made one hell of a save to deny Joe Allen in the first quarter of an hour but it was the goal that’ll put him in some scrutiny. Mignolet’s positioning could have been better but it was his weak right hand that couldn’t stop the goal that’ll draw most of the criticism.
Neither goalie has been able to take the position by the scruff of its neck. Liverpool can’t afford to make too many mistakes as they are already considerably behind Chelsea who don’t seem like they are going to stop anytime soon.
Jordan Henderson produces another fine display
There were a few misplaced passes as Liverpool tried too hard to get back into the game, but as the game wore on and they settled in, Henderson’s distribution improved. The Skipper had time in midfield as Stoke didn’t want to press Liverpool and open themselves up. He had to change the direction of play quite a lot of times which he did manage to do.
He completed 70 passes, more than any other player on the pitch, and also had 10 ball recoveries which show he’s become an indispensable part of Klopp’s side.
