Effort….

By: James | September 22nd, 2008

Liverpool at Anfield seemed a daunting prospect as they came fresh from a comeback win over Marseille last Tuesday, with the defeat of Manchester United still fresh in their minds, which no doubt created a buzz amongst Rafa’s men. It was not just the thought, however premature, that the Reds could this season mount a serious title challenge serving as an incentive to win this game. Kop talisman Steven Gerrard was chasing his 100th goal for his club.

Stoke expected a very difficult game and Liverpool duly delivered. It was after only two minutes that Steven Gerrard thought he had reached his landmark goal from a free-kick. It appeared to have evaded everybody as a curling ball from the left floated into the far corner. Dirk Kuyt had thrown himself towards it seemingly to no avail, however an offside flag was waving and it was ruled that contact had been made, much to the dismay of Mr.Gerrard who had reeled off and was already celebrating as his team-mates rushed to congratulate him. It was game-on.

Although Liverpool dominated over the 90 minutes, Stoke’s strong backline made sure that Thomas Sorensen need not get involved any more than was needed. He had to react well on a number of occasions, but was equal to what Liverpool threw at him. He kept his cool as Liverpool’s wave of attacks came at Stoke. Salif Diao, returning to the Stoke starting line-up and earning Pulis’s praises, did well against his former club to protect the defence and they appeared to know exactly what they were doing as extra training paid off with great organisational skills on show. Abdoulaye Faye was another key-man for Stoke. He did well to recognise the need to drop back to centre-back from his original defensive midfield position and made sure that Fernando Torres saw as little of the ball as possible.

Liverpool pinned the away side back into their own final third towards the later stages of the game as frustration crept in, when it became apparent that long-range efforts were not paying off. Stoke remained committed as men their men hurled themselves into the way of Liverpool’s wasted, desperate attempts on goal in the closing minutes and they walked away with a well-earned point, despite Liverpool really feeling they should have picked up all 3.

Stoke will hope to build on what they have learnt here in a real test in Premiership football which they passed with flying colours. This result can surely only create confidence in the ranks and rally the team to help their effort to avoid relegation this season. Nevertheless, a well-salvaged point for the Potters. In fact their first ever away point in the Barclays Premier League. They can be very proud of this preformance.

The majority of the side that played at Anfield can expect a rest for tomorrow night’s 3rd round Carling Cup tie with Reading.