Stoke 1-2 Liverpool: Brazilian duo complete strong LFC fightback

Premier League
Saturday 08 April 2017 - 3:00 pm
Britannia Stadium
Stoke City1
2Liverpool
Show Match Events
Allen off, Adam on ↔️27'
⚽️ Walters44'
45'↔️ Alexander-Arnold off, Firmino on
45'↔️ Woodburn off, Coutinho on
48' Klavan
Walters off, Whelan on ↔️68'
68'↔️ Origi off, Sturridge on
70'Coutinho ⚽️
73' Firmino
73'Firmino ⚽️
Possession %
4357
Total Shots
914
Shots on Target
44
Shots Blocked
14
Offside
72
Hide Match Events

Liverpool's Brazilian duo Phil Coutinho and Roberto Firmino produced the goals in the second half to hand the reds all three Premier League points.

The duo arrived on the pitch at half time after the reds had gone down to a Jonathan Walters just before half time.

Liverpool had been disappointing in the first half - having named a three at the back formation designed to push the wing backs on.

But the reds had struggled and it required the introduction of LFC's genuine attacking class in the second half to land an important victory in terms of points AND morale.

Change in formation

Coutinho's involvement had been touch and go in the 24 hours leading up to the game.  The players was withdrawn against Bournemouth with illness and it was a late decision to allow him into the squad - he was named on the bench.

There was a reshuffle by Klopp.  All three central defenders chosen as they switched to a back three.

Ben Woodburn partnered Divock Origi, with Alexander Arnold coming into the side.  Firmino was named on the bench.

From the first whistle Stoke looked the stronger side - Shaqiri involved in most of their decent moves, and their inswinging corners.

Arnautovic had the beating of Lovren on many occassions and Stoke had the ball in Liverpool's net in the 3rd minute - it was ruled offside.

Liverpool were struggling to get into decent attacking positions in the half as the wing-backs failed to get forward enough.  The formation change had clearly affected them.

Ben Woodburn managed to get himself in a couple of good positions before his Premier League inexperience prevented him taking full advantage.

Just before half time Shaqiri reached the touchline, crossed the ball over Matip's head and Jonathan Walters headed home.

A half time change for the reds - both Firmino and Coutinho sent on and Alexander Arnold and Woodburn removed.

By the 50th minute the tide was beginning to turn.

Origi saw a chance go wide and Lovren put a header on to the crossbar.

Another change - Sturridge on for the Belgian striker but it would be the Brazilian boys who would rescue Liverpool.

Coutinho first.  Liverpool pressuring the Stoke goal and little Phil latched on to a loose ball and fired it past Grant.

Just three minutes later and it was Firmino's turn.  He ran on to a Wijnaldum pass and smashed his shot powerfully past the Potters' keeper.

A dramatic turnaround for Liverpool who looked uncompetitive in the first half.

A vital victory that maintains Liverpool's third position and places pressure on the sides still to play this weekend.

Man of the Match: Simon Mignolet

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