A first half penalty and a steely defensive performance from the home side ensured Liverpool left the Britannia, once again, without any points. Although this year the reds can consider themselves a little more unfortunate than last time around.
Club captain Gerrard watches from the stands
Kenny Dalglish welcomed two new faces to the bench in Sebastian Coates and Craig Bellamy.
The reds opened brightly, whereas last year the reds were hopeless in the physical match up between the two sides, this time around the reds provided far more grit against a rugged Stoke side.
Rory Delap was providing his usual 40 yard throw in’s but the reds appeared comfortable in dealing with them, despite the debut of Peter Crouch for the home side.
In the 21st minute the winner arrived. Jamie Carragher getting the wrong side of Jonathan Walters before holding the player around the waist and conceding the penalty. Jonathan Walters duly despatched the pen, leaving Carra the unfortunate honour of being the man responsible for the reds last two conceded goals.
Suarez was the pick of the reds players in the rest of the half as they pushed hard for an equaliser. But Liverpool found it tough with Stoke piling players in to the defence.
The second half started flat, although the reds continued to have plenty of chances to score. Henderson having three attempts within seconds before Adam too added to list of shot failures.
The arrival of Craig Bellamy, replacing Henderson who was now on the left wing, intensified Liverpool’s pressure. Two handballs from Stoke were waved away, and late on Luis Suarez also had another chance to score – the ball edging wide.
The reds will consider themselves hugely unfortunate to have not picked up three points today, never mind one.
Liverpool travel to Spurs next week in another game that we lost last season. Hopefully next time we can be more clinical than we were today.
Go On Stoke
KD is this ur called strong squad. Why can we have a consistent team? 2 stupid mistakes by Caragher, i hope It’s time for him to leave Ainfield.
19th league champion or back to European Champioship, i don’t think so!
frustrating result caused by one of England experienced defender. 2 stupid mistakes in 2 consecutive games! A draw will be acceptable rather than adding losing statistic to Stoke.
KD must put him on d bench or kick him out frm Ainfield!
Bellamy must play alongside Suarez more often and i haven’t see d best of Caroll yet.
In future, can the club get quality players like MU, MC, RM & Barcelona, to bring back LFC to its glamourous era.
LFC for eva……
The bogey man strikes again as we drop crucial points against another lesser side!.Carra has been a great servant for the club but gives away too many penalties with his constant clumsiness , should try someone else in his place now!.
We didn’t put the ball in the back of the net that can’t be called “unfortunate” but a lack of clinical finishing with Carroll offering little upfront other then slowing the play down. Already we’ve lost five points to Sunderland and Bolton who other top sides will put a cricket score past, as always we find ourselves playing catch-up.
Later i watched Man United rip Bolton apart with some incredible football much like Barcalona. We’re still well behind them interms of quality and finishing so lets not kid ourselves.
It’s back to earth for us!
When will Carragher do the honorable thing and retire!!!