Stoke City FC 0-1 Liverpool FC – Post match reaction

Liverpool took a step closer to reaching the Capital One Cup final last night with a 0-1 victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. The positivity of the victory was somewhat overshadowed however by further injuries. Both Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren succumbed to hamstring injuries early on. Kolo Touré also caused a scare new the end when he pulled up with cramp but fortunately, no more than that.

Following the weekend’s dismal showing, the players gave Jürgen Klopp the kind of response he no doubt demanded from them. Last night’s performance was a world away from their last. In his post match interview, the German confirmed that he was pleased with the reaction. I thought it was funny when he said he had  “…A strange feeling in this moment because I’m absolutely pleased with my team…!”. Probably a translation issue, but funny nonetheless. Even Ironic given that in some ways, it’s how many feel.

I was happy that Klopp changed the team structure to a 4-3-3 formation. The three central midfielders – Emre Can, Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen, offered more support to defence and attack and I was hopeful of a good performance for that reason. The usual defence started with the exception of Touré who came in fir the injured Mamadou Sakho, alongside Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno. The same attacking trio from the weekend were given a chance to redeem themselves. Adam Lallana Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool played some great football in the first half and scored shortly in the 34th minute through substitute Jordan Ibe, shortly after the visitors had suffered their second injury of the evening. Lovren suffering a hamstring problem, 20 minutes after Coutinho fell to the same fate. The team was certainly more fluid than in recent games with Lallana going close early on. Ibe gave the merseysiders the lead when he converted Allen’s miss-kicked conversion from Lallana’s cut back.

In the second half, the most of Liverpool’s work was defensive and in my opinion, the makeshift central defence of Touré and Lucas played a blinder and were arguably, more solid than the usual choices. That said, Stoke cleared an effort off the line shortly after Allen had a good shout for a penalty. Firmino, as usual was incredibly wasteful, putting two or three shots over the bar and a couple wide. Terrible stuff from the Brazilian. Mention also has to go to Mignolet, who again was outstanding on the night, pushing a looping effort over the bar from Joselu and generally put in a steady shift without drama.

A slender win from a committed performance leaves Liverpool with a foot in the door to the final in late February.The away goal will serve them well for the return leg in the week of 25th January. All being well, there should be some players returning from injury. Physioroom.com now shows the Reds at the top of the injury table with a total of 11 players out. Five of which to Hamstring injuries.  The earliest return date is for Daniel Sturridge being (planned for) the 17th January but then, we all know how reliable the 26 year-old is coming back into the team. Not in the least bit.

When asked if the injuries are down to training methods, Klopp replied that there is no time for training, only recovery and he has a point. Perhaps this is part of the problem. The English league is notoriously busy, and I for one am in favour of either a mid-winter break OR one less competition to play in. Let’s face it, ultimately it’s a financial issue because the teams don’t win love as a prize in these competitions. Perhaps from the fans but this is always fickle. And money always talks.

So all in all, a decent evening for Liverpool barring the injuries. With some luck they may not be as bad as first feared. On the other hand, it does mean that the likes of Brad Smith, Cameron Brannigan and Connor Randall may get a look in. Not ideal but at least their development will benefit from the experience and you never know, they may even keep some of the regulars out of the team if they do well enough.

Next up is the away fixture to Exeter in the FA Cup third round on Friday. A real “banana skin” if ever there was one. Personally, I’d like to see them go through. It’ll be a tough one. Considering the team has been so poor in the league, a cup run is likely the only realistic route back into European football next season.

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