After Wednesday’s humiliating defeat to Reading, and with Gerrard, Torres and Benayoun out injured, would any of Liverpool’s squad be able to step up and show a bit of commitment? One things for certain, if you’re playing away at Stoke then you’re definitely going to need to be committed.
It was something of a change of formation for the Reds, with Aurelio and Degen playing as ‘wingers’ and Ngog and Kuyt up front. Lucas and Mascherano started in the centre of midfield, Carragher was at right-back and there was a rare start for Kyrgiakos in the centre of defence.
Stoke made a good start and really got into the Liverpool player’s faces. The Reds struggled to string two passes together, initally, but gradually grew into the game, without looking overly convincing.
Rory Delap went off injured after 23 minutes, which could only be a relief to Liverpool’s fragile defence.
On 24 minutes, Lucas was scythed down in the penalty box – he was given a yellow card for diving. A ridiculous decision. Stoke lost a second player through injury a minute later, as Abdoulaye Faye left the pitch.
The first half ended goalless. It was a spirited performance from Liverpool even if the quality of play and goals were lacking.
The second half started as the first ended. Liverpool were finally able to take the lead on 56 minutes when the Stoke goalie flapped at a low free-kick from Aurelio and Kyrgiakos was able to bundle it in.
On 77 minutes, new signing, Maxi Rodriguez, came on for Degen, to make his debut. He didn’t get chance to show us what he could do as Stoke pinned the Reds back for the remainder of the match. This pressure finally paid off when they got an equaliser on 89 minutes. I don’t even know who scored as I was too depressed to notice.
On 95 minutes, Aurelio whipped in a excellent cross and Kuyt headed it onto the post. He should have scored. It ended 1-1.
I should probably tidy this post up a little and try and do a bit of analysis, but I really can’t be bothered.
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