The Liverpool Offside - Premier League Coverage: Liverpool vs. Stoke City, Tuesday, December 27thZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2016-12-27T21:40:01+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/138495012016-12-27T21:40:01+00:002016-12-27T21:40:01+00:00Liverpool 4, Stoke 1: Slow Start, Strong Finish
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<p>The Reds gave themselves an uphill battle, but rallied to win comfortably in the end.</p> <blockquote><p id="Cu1735"><strong>Liverpool 4</strong> <em>Lallana 35’, Firmino 44’, Imbula (OG) 60’, Sturridge 71’</em><br><strong>Stoke 1</strong> <em>Walters 13’</em></p></blockquote>
<p id="xZry8s">Despite digging themselves a hole with some lazy defending early, Liverpool found their rhythm before half time and cruised to a comfortable victory.</p>
<p id="tIbA7V">It might change with fixtures coming thick and fast this week, but Jürgen Klopp does not like changing a winning team. Liverpool rolled out the same 433 that had won two in a row while keeping consecutive clean sheets, and they came out of the blocks fast. In the opening ten minutes, Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino both were close to getting on the end of crosses in the six yard box, Jordan Henderson shot over from a good position, and Firmino had a headed effort saved by Lee Grant in the Stoke goal.</p>
<p id="V2dvss">Despite the strong early showing, the Reds had a lapse in them, and in the 13th minute, Jonathan Walters had given Stoke the lead. The defense failed to properly clear a Peter Crouch header, Sadio Mané was sloppy in his closing down of the cross, Dejan Lovren lost track of his man, and Simon Mignolet was unable to cover his near post. 1-0 Bad Guys.</p>
<p id="AcLTn4">It was nearly two a few minutes later, as more tragicomic defending saw Reds cult hero Joe Allen bearing down on goal, but Mignolet produced a solid save, and for once, Crouch’s legs were too short to poke home the rebound. Halfway to the interval, Liverpool started to find their rhythm again, and Firmino had a goalbound effort from six yards out cleared off the line by Crouch. The pressure held, and ten minutes from the halftime whistle, Adam Lallana popped up as the ball ping-ponged around the Stoke box following a delightful pass from Divock Origi, collected a poor touch by Glen Johnson, and buried the ball in the back of the net from a narrow angle.</p>
<p id="opW6lt">Roberto Firmino had failed to score from his previous nine shots on target and was due a goal. It looked like he might go frustrated again as he blasted over from 12 yards, but one minute from injury time he gathered the ball at the edge of the Stoke box, took a touch into space and drove a strike off both posts and into the back of the net. There was nearly time for one more, as Firmino heel-flicked a James Milner cross into the path of Mané, but his attempt bobbled just wide of the post.</p>
<p id="e0mV5V">The Reds started the second half looking to put the game away, and should’ve gone close when Milner was set up brilliantly by Mané, but his driven effort was smashed out of bounds near the corner flag. Stoke’s resistance was futile, however, and fifteen minutes into the half Henderson broke forward, played a diagonal into a streaking Origi, whose inch-perfect cross was bundled into the back of the net by Giannelli Imbula, desperately trying to keep Mané from his 9th goal of the campaign.</p>
<p id="jDBcYq">Liverpool were in complete control now, and both Mané and Nathaniel Clyne went close before Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge were introduced for Lallana and Origi with twenty minutes left to play. Sturridge immediately displayed his poacher’s gifts, sneaking in behind the Stoke backline to intercept a blind backpass from Ryan Shawcross. Alone with Grant, the England interational made no mistake, round the goalkeeper and slotting home for his first Premier League goal of the season.</p>
<p id="Lz9rk4">Stoke were broken and Liverpool were looking to rest, so Klopp’s men saw out the rest of the match uneventfully, bar a wild scramble in the visitors’ box ending with an Alberto Moreno scissor kick blocked for a corner.</p>
<p id="bZWqhN">In the end, the scoreline didn’t really flatter the Reds, who were dominant for 75 minutes and produced plenty of clear opportunities while restricting Stoke to a total of six shots. The ease with which they gave up the goal and big chance in their sloppy spell, though, was eerily reminiscent of previous iterations of Liverpool teams of yore. Nonetheless, they never looked like giving up, and kept grinding and pressing and running and harrying until the opportunities presented themselves, taking advantage as they did so.</p>
<p id="Cp59tc">Adam Lallana scored again, making it seven goals and assists in his last six appearances, while Divock Origi and Sadio Mané did everything except score, displaying a tantalizing link-up that deserved more. Firmino scored again — ending a six-match drought — while looking lively throughout, and captain Henderson continued to do the dirty work at the base of midfield, exhibiting his exquisite passing range on several occasions. Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren predictably struggled with the alpine Peter Crouch when Stoke pressed the aerial attack, and were unconvincing in enough moments that Joël Matip’s return will be highly anticipated. </p>
<p id="oAsLvW">Only three days rest now before Anfield will host third-placed Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, pitting Klopp against his old rival for the 9th time. A Liverpool win would see the Reds put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack while keeping up with league leaders Chelsea.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2016/12/27/14092104/liverpool-4-stoke-1-epl-2016-match-recap-lallana-firmino-own-goal-sturridgeAudun Manum2016-12-27T19:25:01+00:002016-12-27T19:25:01+00:00Liverpool 4, Stoke City 1: Man of the Match
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<p>With a comfortable victory in the books, we want to know who you think were Liverpool's best and worst performers and who your Man of the Match was.
</p> <p>Stoke scored the first goal of the game, but Liverpool looked the better side for most of the night and in the end their good play saw them ease to a comfortable victory thanks to goals by Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino, and Daniel Sturridge—along with a Giannelli Imbula own goal forced when the defender sprawled to prevent an easy Sadio Mané tap-in on a Divock Origi cross.</p>
<p>Now let us know how you saw it. Hitting the thumbs up button is a vote to move the player up the list—or to help keep them on top. Hitting thumbs down is a vote to push that player closer to the bottom. It's half Man of the Match poll and half power ranking, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> match and, at the other end, who you'd maybe like to see given the next game off.</p>
<p>At the end of the month we'll go through the results of that month's polls to help choose the Liverpool Offside’s Player of the Month and, come next May, those monthly results will help to determine your Player of the Season for 2015-16.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2016/12/27/14089704/man-of-the-match-best-worst-performances-liverpool-4-stoke-1-epl-2016Noel Chomyn2016-12-27T19:08:51+00:002016-12-27T19:08:51+00:00Liverpool 4, Stoke City 1: First Thoughts
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<p>A back-and-forth first half turns into an easy three points for Liverpool. </p> <blockquote><p id="YVO2KP"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/"><em><strong>Liverpool</strong></em></a><em><strong> 4:</strong></em><em> Lallana 35’, Firmino 44’, Own Goal 59’ (Imbula), Sturridge 70’</em><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/stoke-city"><em><strong>Stoke City</strong></em></a><em><strong> 1: </strong></em><em>Walters 12’</em></p></blockquote>
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<strong>Pre-match Thoughts: </strong>Interesting to see <span>Roberto Firmino</span> in the starting line-up on account of his holiday legal problems. Otherwise, no real surprises. Matip, Can, and Sturridge all continue their recoveries to full-fitness, with the former left out of the side altogether. On the Stoke side, three former Reds in the starting line-up, so plenty of motivation for the visitors, to be sure. It’s an interesting time and date for a game, but the points count the same. Let’s do this!</li>
<li id="TIEczT">Early chance for Liverpool as <span>Divock Origi</span> wins the ball back high up the pitch, gets his head up, and very nearly picks out a surging <span>Georginio Wijnaldum</span> at the far post. Good, composed stuff in the early stages from the home side. Moments later Sadio Mané and Firmino repeat the trick, each move missing by <em>that much</em>. </li>
<li id="WZOm4Y">All one-way traffic for Liverpool in the first ten minutes. The Reds already have a couple shots, with a weak Firmino header finding the target but not the back of the net. Of course, as I type these words...sigh.</li>
<li id="m7f43V">
<strong>Goal. </strong>Stoke score completely against the early run of play. <span>Jonathan Walters</span> beats <span>Dejan Lovren</span> to an <span>Erik Pieters</span> cross, and his header beats <span>Simon Mignolet</span> to the near post. </li>
<li id="rq3qg1">Speaking of Lovren, he appears to have broken his nose against Liverpool old boy <span>Peter Crouch</span>. </li>
<li id="JP2Ttk">Stoke City very nearly double their lead. Wee Joe Allen forces a snap save by Mignolet. If the Belgian was partially culpable for the first goal, he did well to bail out his flailing defense there. Liverpool now appear to be on the ropes. </li>
<li id="OxlTld">Liverpool nearly equalize, with Peter Crouch clearing Firmino’s chance off the line. Exciting first half, if nothing else. </li>
<li id="9A1lJF">Some really poor passing, <em>especially</em> in Liverpool’s defensive third are making things far harder for the Reds than they need to be. So, pretty much business as usual around these parts. </li>
<li id="hg7Hxr">
<strong>GOAL! </strong>I’m not completely sure how <span>Adam Lallana</span> finished from that sort of angle, but he did. Mané was set free down the right hand side by a first time long ball from Origi. Mané picked out Lallana arriving into the box, whose first touch was nearly cut out by the defender, but the ball found its way back to his right foot, and he slotted it with a nearly-impossible finish. 1-1 as we approach the half. </li>
<li id="ZaWaYS">
<strong>GOAL! </strong>Firmino ends his scoreless drought on tonight of all nights, because of course he does. Milner picked out the Brazilian international in the box, and Firmino turned and fired a low left-footed shot off the far post, off the near post, and finally over the line to give the Reds the lead. 2-1 to the Scousers. </li>
<li id="a70W6H">
<strong>Halftime Thoughts: </strong>Well, that was an exciting first half. Liverpool started and ended the half well, but Stoke City proved to be a handful on the counter, which should come as a shock to precisely no one. It would be nice to see Liverpool score a couple of goals and put this one out of reach, but it’s Liverpool so that probably won’t happen. On a completely unrelated note, my girlfriend informed me that Carrie Fisher died during the first half. Seriously, fuck you 2016. </li>
<li id="cWnbe2">
<span>James Milner</span>, still looking for that non-penalty goal, plays a lovely 1-2 at the edge of the area, but can’t quite get the curl on his attempt to put his shot on target. </li>
<li id="0CKpnS">
<strong>GOAL! </strong>Liverpool make it three! Henderson picks out Origi with a great through ball into the box, and Origi squares it for Mané. However, Stoke’s defender Imbula wasn’t going to let the Senagalese international have all the credit, deciding instead to steer the cross in for an own goal. 3-1.</li>
<li id="RbzIDI">Sturridge and Can come on for Origi and Lallana, respectively, as the match approaches the 70th minute mark. Go on and open your league account, Danny!</li>
<li id="pujnj9">
<strong>GOAL! </strong>And Sturridge does exactly that with his first involvement of the game. <span>Ryan Shawcross</span> absolutely gifts Sturridge a 1-v-1 with the keeper with a horrendous back pass. Sturridge easily plays it around Grant, and slots it with an easy finish on an empty net. 4-1, and suddenly this football thing is becoming fun. </li>
<li id="0lmIXe">Holy shit, it’s an Alberto Moreno sighting! The out-of-favor left back comes on for Firmino. It’s a straight swap, as the Spaniard fills in on the left wing and Milner stays in the back four. </li>
<li id="eSa5en">
<strong>Final Whistle Thought: </strong>After a shaky first half, Liverpool calmly dominated the second, and restore their second place status in the league. A good evening for a side that could have easily looked past Stoke to the upcoming Manchester City fixture. </li>
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<p id="K2XLAg">We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373"><strong>join the community on the Liverpool Offside</strong></a>, where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2016/12/27/14090086/liverpool-4-stoke-city-1-match-recap-report-epl-2016Zachary Marx2016-12-27T18:50:51+00:002016-12-27T18:50:51+00:00WATCH: Daniel Sturridge receives belated Christmas present, scores Liverpool’s fourth goal
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<p>A good day. </p> <p id="CfTLvY">Less than a minute after coming on as a substitute, Daniel Sturridge has extended Liverpool’s lead over Stoke City to 4-1 after capitalizing on a horrendous defensive mistake by a defender. </p>
<p id="k5ni0q">An awful mistake by Ryan Shawcross put the striker in on goal, with a little cheeky move he danced past the goalkeeper and slotted in the club’s fourth goal of the day to all but clinch the three points. </p>
<div id="gK4fZx"><div><div style="left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://my.mixtape.moe/xevbft.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div></div>
<p id="hXRVx0"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/5klbac/liverpool_4_1_stoke_sturridge/">via r/Soccer </a></p>
<p id="IlKspV">This is Sturridge’s first Premier League goal of the season and his first since April. Hopefully this is exactly what he needs to boost his confidence heading into the second half of the season. </p>
<p id="1CVSYu"></p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-social-facebook-stories-fanshots/2016/12/27/14091524/watch-daniel-sturridge-receives-belated-christmas-present-scores-liverpools-fourth-goalRob Usry2016-12-27T18:05:37+00:002016-12-27T18:05:37+00:00WATCH: Roberto Firmino’s double-post finish gives Liverpool lead over Stoke City
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<p>Wooo!! </p> <p id="7AlxTL">Liverpool have grabbed a 2-1 lead over Stoke City right before halftime thanks to Roberto Firmino’s amazing finish: </p>
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<p id="tuaBj5"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/5kl1pa/roberto_firmino_vs_stoke_21/">via r/Soccer</a> </p>
<p id="oNvvwl">The Brazilian’s left-footed strike rang off one post, ricocheted to the other post and finally bounced into the goal to give Liverpool the lead at the break. </p>
<p id="Q4ge14">It’s been a surprisingly even half with Stoke City playing very well to begin the half, but Liverpool have roared back to earn the advantage. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-social-facebook-stories-fanshots/2016/12/27/14090762/watch-roberto-firminos-double-post-finish-gives-liverpool-lead-over-stoke-cityRob Usry2016-12-27T17:56:12+00:002016-12-27T17:56:12+00:00WATCH: Adam Lallana’s tight-angled finish equalizes vs. Stoke City
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<p>All even! </p> <p id="rziiFz">After conceding an early to goal Stoke City and Jonathan Walters, Liverpool have pulled their league match back level in the 34th minute thanks to the red-hot Adam Lallana. </p>
<div id="B1ugpm"><div><div style="left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://my.mixtape.moe/pqlbtc.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div></div>
<p id="9mvkk2"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/5kkzno/adam_lallana_vs_stoke_11/">via r/Soccer </a></p>
<p id="sXGsti">Sadio Mane helped create the goal with a run down the right flank. His ball into the box was knocked away towards the endline, but Lallana picked it up and fired it in from a very tight angle to even the score at 1. </p>
<p id="qTE2NH">This is Lallana’s seventh Premier League goal of the season. His remarkable campaign continues as he’s become one of Liverpool’s most important players so far. Can they go on and grab the lead? </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-social-facebook-stories-fanshots/2016/12/27/14090650/watch-adam-lallanas-tight-angled-finish-equalizes-vs-stoke-cityRob Usry2016-12-27T13:45:01+00:002016-12-27T13:45:01+00:00Matchday: Liverpool vs. Stoke City
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<img alt="Stoke City v Liverpool - Capital One Cup Semi Final: First Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VUZx8R6_Q0CqA3DxQMAshEKPU9E=/0x0:3438x2292/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52466837/503474768.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Lineups, television and streaming options, and live Premier League coverage as Liverpool face off against Stoke City.</p> <div><aside id="2kAPwc"><q>TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27TH</q></aside></div>
<p id="Y3IqVT">Liverpool will look to keep pace with the top sides, all of whom picked up the maximum points on Boxing Day. A win would see the Reds regain their second place spot, and return the gap to pace-setters Chelsea to six points. Conversely, Stoke City look to continue moving up the table after a slow start to the campaign. A win would see Mark Hughes’s side move into the top half of the table. Hopefully the Reds can use the Anfield crowd to their advantage, and get good start to a very busy week. </p>
<div><aside id="RcWOjP"><q>THE MATCH</q></aside></div>
<p id="anWGjT"><strong>Full Preview: </strong><a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2016/12/26/14081146/liverpool-stoke-city-preview-team-news-how-to-watch-online-epl-2016">Liverpool vs. Stoke City</a></p>
<p id="Vzx5AC"><strong>Kickoff: </strong>5:15PM BST/12:15PM EST from Anfield</p>
<p id="pJdaYO"><strong>Television:</strong> Sky Sports 1 (UK); NBCSN (USA); Optus Sport (Australia); Sportsnet (Canada); Star Sports Select HD1 (India); SuperSport 3 (Kenya); Astro SuperSport 3 (Malaysia); Eleven Plus (Singapore); other listings at <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/competitions/international/uefa-european-championship/"><strong>LiveSoccerTV</strong></a></p>
<p id="ZVKj1J"><strong>Online Streaming:</strong> SKY GO Extra (UK); <a href="http://plstream.nbcsports.com/"><strong>NBC Sports Live Extra</strong></a> (USA) | <strong>Online Radio:</strong> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fvideo&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2F2016%2F12%2F27%2F14088022%2Fliverpool-stoke-city-epl-2016-television-channels-online-streaming-kickoff-time-lineups" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>LFCTV GO</strong></a> and <a href="http://talksport.com/matchday-live"><strong>TalkSport Radio World</strong></a> (International)</p>
<div><aside id="P7Y1Ki"><q>LIVERPOOL</q></aside></div>
<p id="FlrPyg"><em>Starting XI: </em>Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Lallana; Mané, Origi, Firmino</p>
<p id="sDYgr2"><em>Bench:</em> Karius, Moreno, Sturridge, Lucas, Can, Woodburn, Ejaria</p>
<div><aside id="pGy4y5"><q>STOKE CITY</q></aside></div>
<p id="2NczB4"><em>Starting XI: </em>Grant; Johnson, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Diouf, Allen, Whelan, Imbula, Walters; Crouch</p>
<p id="QCbqUr"><em>Bench:</em> Given, Boney, Afellay, Adam, Shaqiri, Bojan, Ramadan</p>
<div><aside id="v68WR3"><q>JOIN THE CONVERSATION</q></aside></div>
<p id="gNVVLp">If you haven’t already, sign up for an SB Nation account and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373"><strong>join the conversation on The Liverpool Offside,</strong></a> where we'll have full coverage of every Liverpool match this season, breaking news, opinion, and tactical discussion.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2016/12/27/14088022/liverpool-stoke-city-epl-2016-television-channels-online-streaming-kickoff-time-lineupsZachary Marx2016-12-27T11:30:01+00:002016-12-27T11:30:01+00:00Mark Hughes Mind Games: LFC Can Win Title
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<figcaption>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Ahead of the clash at Anfield, the Stoke City boss had some kind words about Klopp and Liverpool’s title challenges. </p> <p id="g8lD0D">Hey, Liverpool fans, do you want to hear about how great our title odds are from a former Manchester United player, and tonight’s opposition manager? Of course you do! It’s on the list right after getting a root canal and before listening to your mother tell you what you’re doing wrong with your life in great detail after one too many glasses of wine. </p>
<p id="gwlbW3">"Do I think Liverpool can do it?” Mark Hughes asked about Liverpool’s current title chances, “Yes, they're capable without a doubt and they have the potential to win it.</p>
<p id="mILpfg">"Liverpool will feel this is a good opportunity to get rid of that weight and have a period of success like they had in the 80s and early 90s.</p>
<p id="Qygkpg">"They seem to have the belief they can and it seems a really positive club again."</p>
<p id="CUmsST">That’s all well and good, Mark, but please, tell us about your time at United. </p>
<p id="victuS">"Every year [not winning the title] it keeps perpetuating. It becomes more difficult.</p>
<p id="soXU1z">"Certainly when I was at United it was talked about before the season, during the season, at the end and if if you hadn't done it then it was debated again in a negative way. It was always there.</p>
<p id="SRwP22">"That's maybe why, being part of that team and being able to do that, that team is remembered and revered a little bit because we were able to break that long line of difficulty of winning the league championship.”</p>
<p id="e6Bhml">So. Kind words from our opposition manager before tonight’s big game. I don’t know what mind games you’re playing Mr. Hughes, but I don’t like it. </p>
<p id="rTqXnr">Liverpool and Klopp have been no strangers to opponents talking up their title chances this year, but often those words come after a game, not before it. Moreover, I’m sure none of us needed reminding of The Drought currently plaguing the club, and the weight of history that comes with it. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2016/12/27/14087972/mark-hughes-mind-games-lfc-can-win-title-stoke-city-liverpoolZachary Marx