Liverpool left it late to snatch a 1-0 victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, opening their English Premier League account with three valuable points on Sunday evening.
All eyes were on new recruits Christian Benteke and James Milner to provide excitement for the Reds against a stern Stoke side, eager to repeat their 6-1 thrashing of Liverpool just 11 weeks ago. However, it was a familiar face that came up trumps for Brendan Rodgers, as Philippe Coutinho scored and a stunner from 30 metres out with less than five minutes remaining.
Pick of the new signings
Every Liverpool supporter would have loved to see Benteke score on debut and go on to follow in the footsteps of Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres, however, the stand-out performance was a toss up between the consistent James Milner and ex-Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne.
The former Manchester City utility slotted alongside newly appointed captain Jordan Henderson in the midfield, and produced a solid showing for the odd thousand Kopites that made the trip to Staffordshire. Milner constantly broke up the Potters’ advances and effectively shielded Liverpool’s backline, while in attack, the Englishmen kept the ball moving and feed the likes of Jordan Ibe and Adam Lallana out wide.
The Reds’ new fullback out shone his predecessor Glen Johnson and exciting youngster Joe Gomez, and silenced some doubts raised throughout preseason. What Clyne lacked in an attacking sense he made for defensively, as the former Southampton defender closed down Ibrahim Afellay, who turned out to be Stoke City’s most dangerous outlet.
What a strike from Coutinho! 1-0. #STKLIV #LFC https://t.co/s77Y9f87ry
— Outside90 (@Outside90) August 9, 2015
Benteke and Liverpool need time to gel
There were signs of fluidity between Liverpool’s playmakers and new talisman Benteke, however those moments were brief and was overshadowed by a catalogue of rushed crosses, one-dimensional tactics and the absence of familiarity. At times, the likes of Henderson and Coutinho were guilty of trying to force a header out of the Belgian with a long ball or early cross, which for the most part resulted in Stoke winning back possession. Benteke was starved of quality deliveries and left isolated for the majority, and it was not due to a lack of movement because the former Aston Villa striker worked hard across the final third. The problem was the service, it was simple and missed creativity and diversity. Just because there is a towering presence leading the line, it does not mean a long ball is always the right option. Despite this, when the ball was played effectively towards Benteke it created another problem, as there was no support. The likes of Lallana and Ibe were lost along with the midfield who were sitting too deep, the subsequent result of playing the pass from within Liverpool’s half. This allowed Stoke to surround and pounce on the loose ball after the Belgian brought it under control or flicked it into space. Obviously, it is the first match of the season and it would be unfair for too judgement, besides there were plenty of positives and the partnerships will only strengthen and develop over time. What Rodgers needs to stamp out, is the willingness to use Benteke as a scapegoat when Liverpool cannot find another pass, as the Reds have been down that path previously with Andy Carroll.
Stoke’s new-look starting XI has a lot of potential
While it did not come close to their demolition of Liverpool on the last day of 2014-15, it was still a Stoke performance featuring all the usual grit, while also unveiling their many new acquisitions from the summer. Signed as a free agent, Afellay looked to be right at home in his new colours, taking a shot at goal, providing four crosses and passing at 88% accuracy, while loanee Marco van Ginkel made his presence felt sitting in front of the defence. Also coming as an interesting point of note was Xherdan Shaqiri’s presence as an onlooker in the Britannia Stadium stands. After a £12 million offer for the Inter winger was withdrawn last month, this could be a sign that there is still potential for Shaqiri to make the official move to England before the transfer window closes.
Xherdan Shaqiri sitting in the stands watching Stoke City. Transfer imminent. #SCFC #STOLIV pic.twitter.com/QZi3mYCwju — Outside90 (@Outside90) August 9, 2015
Rodgers selected super-subs
A phrase that not many Liverpool fans were chanting several months ago, but the second half additions of Emre Can and Roberto Firmino proved to be successful choices from the remastered coaching staff.
The German was brought on for Lallana with roughly 25 minutes left to solidify the midfield and makes space for Coutinho and Henderson to push higher up. Can played the role well and demonstrated his effectiveness as a holding midfielder, after being utilised as a makeshift centre back last season.
The £29 million Brazilian replaced a lacklustre Ibe with quarter of an hour remaining, and although Firmino was not afforded enough time warrant a fair first assessment, he provided a spark that rallied the Liverpool troops to push on and find the eventual winner. That inspiration was not only through some fancy dribbling and pacey runs, but feisty tackles that earnt the Reds’ possession in critical areas.
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Liverpool next return to Anfield and welcome the newly promoted Bournemouth, before embarking on a tough runs of games that includes away trips to Arsenal and Manchester United. For Stoke City, it is another tricky fixture in the form of Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
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