The effects of Roberto Firmino’s drunk driving seemed far behind him as the Brazilian remained part of the squad that hosted Stoke City a day after Boxing Day. The Potters haven’t won a league game at Anfield since the 1950s and this time was no different.
The match kicked off to an explosive start as most of the first half was played in high-octane. In spite of the Reds' high-pressing start, it was Stoke who took the lead through a Jon Walters header.
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After another close call for Jurgen Klopp’s side, Lallana drew level with a fine finish from as a tight a corner as it gets. Firmino scored next followed by an own goal from Imbula and Daniel Sturridge ended the night with a fourth, 54 seconds after coming on.
The atmosphere in the stadium was intense as Henderson and co. played a thrilling game as Stoke did their best to contain the wreckage. Here are the five major talking points from Liverpool’s fourth consecutive 4-1 win against Stoke City at home:
#1 The chink in Liverpool’s armour
Liverpool are by far the most potent attacking side in the Premier League right now. The rate at which they charge at a defence would be the envy of Real Madrid from two seasons ago. But the only reason they aren’t top of the table despite racking up the most number of goals is their propensity to concede. Even though they won by a considerable margin tonight, their Achilles heel was on show.
Stoke scored first and it came in the midst of waves of attack from the home side as Erik Pieters crossed into the box. Dejan Lovren who was in a position to deal with the ball completely ignored Jon Walters’s run and allowed the midfielder to step in and head it in for the goal.
Mignolet looked like he could have made the save as well but despite the right body language, failed to keep it out at his near post proving he is just as prone to mistakes as Loris Karius.
#2 The not-so-best laid plans
Mark Hughes decided to go with a 3-5-2 formation for his side’s visit to Anfield. Initially, it seemed to be working well for the Potters as they got the first goal but it went horribly downhill from there. The formation gave Pieters, who was deployed as a wing back, the freedom to go forward instead of sitting back. It paid off as he provided the assist for the goal.
It wasn’t meant to last as Liverpool had them figured out soon after. Push back from Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane were no match for Pieters. In fact, Lallana and Mane eventually became the most influential forces in the match. Neither Pieters nor Bruno Martins Indi was anywhere near the ball when the English midfielder scored from a near-zero degree angle.
#3 Lallana proves his worth again
As the final whistle was drowned out by the cheers of an ecstatic Anfield crowd, Adam Lallana topped the chart of midfielders involved in the most number of goals this season. After scoring his side’s opening goal, he chalked up a tally of seven goals and six assists making him the most effective midfielder in the final third. All that money Liverpool paid Southampton looks to be paying off remarkably.
The former Southampton player was in exquisite form with the likes of Pep Guardiola, David Moyes and England boss Gareth Southgate looking on. He was a crucial part of everything that went well for the Reds as he scored a stunner from an impossibly tight corner. He was the brightest talent on the pitch as he created a host of chances for his side.
#4 Imbula’s blunder
Stoke City were down by two goals to one in the second half and not in the most impossible of situations. If they could get back into their earlier groove they might have salvaged a point, if they defended really well. But that eventuality became totally out of the question as Giannelli Imbula made the worst mistake possible on a football pitch.
Divock Origi crossed a perfect ball intended for Mane inside the box ahead of the Stoke line of defence, only for it to reach Imbula first. In an attempt to intercept the pass, the French midfielder kicked it past his own keeper Lee Grant. His blunder cost them as Liverpool’s lead became far more difficult to bridge.
His error was in complete opposition to Peter Crouch’s heroics in his own box in the first half. The former Liverpool forward made a goal-line clearance to deny Liverpool an early lead.
#5 Roberto Firmino at it again
Roberto Firmino has faced a lot of criticism over the Christmas weekend for getting caught driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested by the police early Christmas eve morning and was charged with drunk driving. Reds fans were especially angry since his court appearance is scheduled for 31 January, the same day his side host league-leaders Chelsea.
However, the Brazilian silenced his critics with his inspired performance against Stoke. He was a constant source of threat on the left and displayed no signs of distraction as he scored an outstanding goal just before half-time. His shot ricocheted off the far post only to go in at the near to give his team the lead. The 25-year-old has now scored 15 goals for the Reds this calendar year, more than any of his other teammates.
Even Jurgen Klopp seemed to have a special hug reserved for the forward as he came off once Liverpool had cemented a comfortable lead.
