Liverpool Open Shakily And Then Find Their Footing Against Stoke

We always knew this match was going to be a bit of an odd one.  On a normal night, Stoke City would have no business on the field with Liverpool.  That is not meant as a knock to Stoke, but the talent level is just different.  As a fixture coming between the Merseyside Derby and a match against Manchester City, there was always the potential for disaster.

It seemed headed in that direction after some early chances for the Reds.  In the 12th minute, Stoke City scored the opening goal of the contest.  It was another example of poor defending that is invading all sports, but football particularly.

Too many people just scrambling around.  After a poor clearance, Sadio Mane clumsily fumbled the ball off his chest.  Stoke sent a cross in and Jonathan Walters header beat Simon Mignolet at the near post.

Mignolet rectified the situation in the 18th minute.  Former Red, Joe Allen, sent a low shot from the right toward the far post.  The Liverpool goalkeeper made a kick save that would make any NHL tender proud.

Despite the fact that Liverpool had the better of the pressure and the chances, it seemed as though Liverpool would not find an equalizer.  When they did though, they grabbed the game by the scruff.

Adam Lallana got a fortunate one in the 35th minute.  The goal itself was anything but lucky as Lallana showed great awareness pouncing on a loose ball and tucking it in from a tight angle.  The bounce that led to the goal was a bit fortunate as it caught all the defenders unaware.  That's how the ball bounces though.  Literally.

Liverpool was not happy to go into the break tied up.  They would claim the lead for themselves in the 44th minute.  Roberto Firmino put one in that seemed destined to stay out.

His goal gave me three reactions in a matter of seconds.  The shot looked guaranteed to score, so the fist went in the air.  When it hit the post, there was a feeling of exasperation.  The second post was almost funny and then relief when the ball actually went in.

Some more relief came in the second half.  It took about 15 minutes, but the Reds got that insurance goal to give their back line a bit more breathing space.

Divock Origi drove past the defender on the left side and sent a beautiful ball in.  Sadio Mane would have put it in, but Imbula was forced to at least attempt a block and ended up scoring an own goal.  Regardless of who put it in, you'll take the 3-1 lead all day long, especially how the team has defended.

The Reds kept their foot on the gas thankfully.  Taking advantage of a truly awful back pass, Daniel Sturridge scored 54 seconds into his shift.  It was a tidy finish in the 70th minute after a nifty move to get around the goalkeeper.  Even as a fan of Liverpool you wonder what the Stoke defender was even looking at.

The final 20 minutes were fairly pedestrian.  Not a clear cut chance for either team, though Liverpool came closest with a Dejan Lovren cross smashing off Firmino and over the bar almost immediately after Sturridge's goal.

In the end, it was mostly a feel good day.  Though the team lost, several former Reds (Crouch, Johnson, Allen) got nice ovations.  The Reds had a good enough performance, put four goals in and only allowed one.  More importantly, they got the win.

There were still issues at the back, but these are the teams you absolutely must beat and they did.  Liverpool are back up to second in the table with a chance to cement that spot against Manchester City on the weekend.

Random Thoughts:
- Personally, it was a pick me up to get the win today.  Normally celebrity deaths don't bother me, but as a Star Wars fan, I was hit by Carrie Fisher's death.  It was nice to have some positivity to cushion that.

- I'm quickly running out of any reasons to dislike Adam Lallana.  I've never hated him, but always felt there were better options.  I still like certain players more, but in terms of performance, there isn't a better choice at the moment.

- The announcer mentioned it and I agree.  With Coutinho coming back and Sturridge getting healthy, the loss of Mane won't be felt I don't think.

Walk On