Liverpool 0-0 Stoke: Stoke City held on for a point to frustrate Liverpool

Poor finishing, a defiant Potters’ defence and a lack of players getting into the box, laid the foundations for a disappointing 0-0 draw for Liverpool against Stoke at Anfield yesterday.

In a bad tempered match which saw six Stoke players booked, Robert Huth was fortunate not to see red as he appeared to stamp on Luis Suarez. 

Former Liverpool player, Charlie Adam had Stoke’s best chance in the first half when a poor back pass by Nuri Sahin put him through on goal but his tame effort was straight at Pepe Reina.

That seemed to spur Liverpool into action as Steven Gerrard had a long range effort palmed away by Asmir Begovic, while Daniel Agger glanced a header just wide.

As the game drew closer to the end, Raheem Sterling struck a shot against the post when he probably would have been better off setting up another player in the box.

There was still time for Martin Skrtel to head wide, but Stoke held on for a battling point.

Luis Suarez was once again the Reds’ main man for both positive and negative reasons as he was instrumental in everything Liverpool did going forward, however his dive in the second half was hilarious.

He will not get penalties if he continues to blatantly go down by a phantom touch, which ultimately cost his team at crucial times.

Liverpool were not at their fluent best, and need to find some consistency in their performances and results if they are to start climbing up the league.

Stoke are proving, once again, to be a tough team to beat and there are no worries about relegation for them as they should be looking to climb the table themselves this season.

Paul Jones, football correspondent