The Liverpool Offside - Stoke City vs. Liverpool, 05.24.15Zeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2015-05-24T19:30:02+01:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/84143462015-05-24T19:30:02+01:002015-05-24T19:30:02+01:00Stoke City 6, Liverpool 1: No Way Back
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<p>An embarrassing, shambolic first half against Stoke City--in which Liverpool conceded five goals and provided little fight--leads to a 6-1 loss on the season's final day, and will likely be enough to see the Brendan Rodgers era end at Liverpool.</p> <blockquote>
<p><b>Stoke City 6: </b><i>Diouf 22' 26', Walters 30', Adam 41', N'Zonzi' 45', Crouch 86'</i><br><b>Liverpool 1: </b><i>Gerrard 70'</i></p>
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<p>On March 22, Liverpool had a chance to leapfrog <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a> into the fourth spot with a win at Anfield. They lost 2-1 in a match that was far more comfortable for the visitors than the scoreline suggested. It was significant in the race for fourth, but not decisive. The loss at <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a> two weeks later was also significant, but not decisive. The loss in the FA Cup semifinal against <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Aston Villa</a> assured Liverpool of a trophyless campaign, which was again significant, but, in terms of where Liverpool finished the season in the Premier League table--the only standing that mattered to many--it was neither significant nor decisive.</p>
<p>What proved decisive, for both <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> hopes of finishing in the top four and potentially Rodgers' job as manager, were the weeks that followed, when the third-year boss' side slipped to a scoreless draw at West Brom and dropped all three points at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/hull-city" class="sbn-auto-link">Hull City</a>. Those two results, which came in the midst of a three-match losing streak for Manchester United, effectively ended any chances of Champions League qualification.</p>
<p>The four that followed could also prove costly for Rodgers, whose job wasn't necessarily on the line after the losses to United, Arsenal, and Villa. It surely is now, having taken just five points from the final six matches, with the aforementioned results at West Brom and Hull giving way to a narrow, fortuitous win at QPR on a Gerrard header, a draw at Stamford Bridge with the champions in cruise control, and consecutive losses to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace" class="sbn-auto-link">Crystal Palace</a> and Stoke City to close out the campaign.</p>
<p>Today's was particularly damning from every angle possible, and it will likely end Rodgers' tenure as manager. There was no fight, no identity, no clear plan in place for where the squad goes from here. And, in all honesty, that's been the case over the past few weeks, with today's capitulation only notable for the scoreline and the finality of it all.</p>
<p>That it was Steven Gerrard's last match as a Liverpool player only made it worse; the captain scored the only goal of the match for the visitors and popped up any and everywhere, but in the end it wasn't even close to being enough as he and his teammates slipped to their worst defeat in the Premier League era. As was the case last weekend at Anfield, today's goodbye was embarrassing for the captain despite supporters' efforts, and his Liverpool career ends in the worst circumstances imaginable.</p>
<p>He will always be remembered as one of the club's greatest-ever players, though, while Rodgers looks left to be remembered as a promising young manager who couldn't match the heights of his sophomore season and, perhaps even more worrying, failed to carry a consistent vision across the course of his third season. His first in charge showed glimpses of attractive attacking football but lacked the personnel and the second showcased strength in versatility with an amazing arsenal of goalscorers, but the bottom fell out in the third save for a midseason change that stopped the bleeding and provided hope in a season that looked to be out of control.</p>
<p>For that he deserves credit, but he also must be held accountable for the bookends. And, by that measure, it feels as though the tide has turned. This is not an active call for his head, as it continues to feel as though he can prove to be an excellent manager. There is plenty of evidence for that, and that's not being blinkered or deluded. He seems to truly love Liverpool and his post as manager, and he's no doubt had an influence in the improvement of a host of players that should be at the heart of the club's future.</p>
<p>Evidence for a change appears to be more convincing at this point, however, and that will likely decide his fate. Today cannot be the only argument used, and had the last two months gone differently, there would be no question about a fourth season in charge. Now it's hard to see a way back.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/24/8652821/stoke-city-6-liverpool-1-rodgers-sack-worst-loss-gerrard-exit-everything-actually-is-the-worst-Ed-2015-05-24T17:27:57+01:002015-05-24T17:27:57+01:00Stoke City 6, Liverpool 1: Rank the Performances.
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<figcaption>"Sorry for rubbing it in there, mate." | Dave Thompson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Or, you know, don't.</p> <p>Liverpool end their season with their worst defeat in forever, a match best scrubbed from one's brain using the memory scrubbing thing from <i>Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind</i>. <span>Steven Gerrard</span> got his final goal in red as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> tiny consolation prize on the day, but otherwise there is literally nothing worth taking from this match other than that the season is finally over. Yay. </p>
<p>Now let us know how you saw things. Clicking 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 player rankings, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each Liverpool 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 back through the results of that month's Ranker polls to hold a Player of the Month vote. Then, at the end of the season, the monthly results will help to determine The Liverpool Offside's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season. </p>
<a class="rnkrw-widget" data-rnkrw-id="2106469" data-rnkrw-format="grid" data-rnkrw-rows="999" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-liverpool-players-of-all-time/ranker-soccer?utm_source=widget&utm_campaign=widget_link" target="_blank">The Best Liverpool Players of All Time</a><script id="rnkrw-loader" type="text/javascript" async src="//widget.ranker.com/static/rnkrw2.js"></script>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/24/8652847/stoke-city-6-liverpool-1-rank-the-performancesStitch Invader2015-05-24T16:52:11+01:002015-05-24T16:52:11+01:00Stoke City 6, Liverpool 1: First Thoughts
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<figcaption>Dave Thompson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool and Steven Gerrard are humiliated on the final day of the season and the captain's career at the club, conceding five first-half goals and a late one to Peter Crouch in the 6-1 loss.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
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<p><b>Stoke City 6: </b><i>Diouf 22' 26', Walters 30', Adam 41', N'Zonzi' 45', Crouch 86'</i><br><b>Liverpool 1: </b><i>Gerrard 70'</i></p>
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<li> <b>Pre-match thoughts</b>: In Steven Gerrard's final match, he started along with no less than six other midfield players scattered throughout the starting eleven. Emre Can was at right-back again, Joe Allen and Lucas were restored to the side to join Jordan Henderson, and Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana were the only "forwards" that started with Raheem Sterling relegated to the bench. It was confusing. </li>
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<li>And it was pretty not good, as it turned out. Stoke had a cluster of early yellow cards, with Charlie Adam arguably doing enough to get sent off for two separate incidents, but Lallana and Coutinho were mostly left alone to battle Stoke's physical defenders going forward. Lallana curled a decent chance just outside the post with his left foot for the best part of the early going.</li>
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<li>And then Stoke scored five goals. Emre Can was at fault for each of the first three, literally heading it to Jon Walters two feet in front of the Liverpool goal, and errors from Mamadou Sakho and Lucas contributed to the fourth. Steven N'Zonzi's curler--Stoke's fifth--was an unstoppable shot to round out the first half scoring. Five goals. Five. F-I-V-E. </li>
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<li> <b>Half-time thoughts: </b>Everything hurts. That very well could be a half that ends Brendan Rodgers' tenure as manager. Confusing selections, no answers evident, and those five goals conceded. FIVE.<span><br><br> </span> </li>
<li>The manager responded by bringing on Kolo Toure and Jordon Ibe for Can and Alberto Moreno and switching to three at the back. Ibe was positive on the left, and Liverpool managed to create a few chances in the first twenty minutes, including an open look for Lallana that was saved by Asmir Begovic.<br><br> </li>
<li>Rickie Lambert arrived at the Red Wedding just in time to challenge for an aerial ball that ended up with Gerrard free on goal to roll past Begovic for a consolation goal. It was emotional despite the scoreline, heightened by the misery that Liverpool had brought upon themselves with the abysmal first half display. <br><br> </li>
<li>Liverpool were well on top even though it was meaningless, with Ibe leading the way and some energy going forward. Adam Lallana was denied another potential penalty on a clear foul by Erik Pieters, but the 5-1 scoreline makes it easy to swallow the whistle. <br><br> </li>
<li>Peter Crouch capped off the scoring with a header that shouldn't have been made so easy by Sakho and Toure. <br><br>
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<li> <b>Full-time thoughts:</b> Everything still hurts. Roll on the summer, and whatever may come with it. Goodbye (and really really sorry) Stevie.<br> </li>
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<p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
<p align="justify">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 target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">join the community on the Liverpool Offside,</a> where we'll continue to focus on all things Liverpool in what's sure to be a lively summer.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/24/8652641/stoke-city-6-liverpool-1-first-thoughts-ouch-Ed-2015-05-24T12:00:02+01:002015-05-24T12:00:02+01:00Matchday: Stoke City v. Liverpool
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<p>The 2014-2015 Premier League season comes to a close for all 20 teams, with Liverpool traveling to Stoke City to finish off the campaign and Steven Gerrard's career in Red.</p> <p>This has been a thoroughly unpleasant ten-month hangover, but as is often the case, it felt like it was worth it last season. <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> season is over after today, and the best they'll be able to do is cement the fifth spot in the Premier League table while sending <span>Steven Gerrard</span> on his way with a win. The worst they can do is pretty much what they did last weekend, so there's not really any crisis scenario here. Unless it involves finishing seventh somehow and starting Europa League qualifying next weekend. That would probably be bad.</p>
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<p><strong>Full Preview:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/23/8647957/stoke-city-vs-liverpool-match-preview-team-news-and-ways-to-watch">Stoke City vs. Liverpool</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/23/8647957/stoke-city-vs-liverpool-match-preview-team-news-and-ways-to-watch"></a><strong>Kickoff:</strong> 3:00PM BST/10:00AM EST from the Britannia Stadium</p>
<p><strong>Television: </strong>SyFy (USA)</p>
<p><strong>Online:</strong> NBC Sports Live Extra (USA); Foxtel Play (Australia)</p>
<p><strong>Full Listings:</strong> <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1207359/liverpool-vs-crystal-palace/" target="_blank">LiveSoccerTV</a></p>
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/stoke-city" class="sbn-auto-link">Stoke City</a></div>
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<p align="center">Begovic<br>Cameron Shawcross Muniesa Pieters<br>Whelan N'Zonzi<br>Walters Adam Arnautovic<br>Diouf</p>
<p>Bench: Butland, Ireland, Odemwingie, Wilson, Sidwell, Crouch, Wolscheld</p>
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<p align="center">Mignolet<br>Can Skrtel Sakho Moreno<br>Henderson Lucas Allen<br>Gerrard Lallana<br>Coutinho</p>
<p>Bench: Ward, Toure, Lovren, Lambert, Sterling, Ibe, Markovic</p>
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<p>If you haven’t already, sign up for an SBNation account and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373" target="_blank">join the conversation on the Liverpool Offside</a> where we'll have full coverage of every Liverpool match this season, breaking news, and tactical discussion.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/24/8651851/stoke-city-vs-liverpool-2015-premier-league-time-tv-schedule-live-online-streaming-Ed-2015-05-24T03:02:44+01:002015-05-24T03:02:44+01:00Pre-Stoke City Overnight Open Thread
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<figcaption>Richard Heathcote/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Five questions to pass the time as we wait for kickoff from Mordor.</p> <p>1) Emre can at right back again? <span>Glen Johnson</span> farewell minutes?</p>
<p>2) Will Steven Gerrard start his final ever match as an LFC player or will he appear from the bench?</p>
<p>3) Pick two: Lucas, <span>Jordan Henderson</span>, or <span>Joe Allen</span>?</p>
<p>4) Will Raheem Sterling be punished by being nailed to the bench?</p>
<p>5) Final score?</p>
<p>Bonus: What is your favourite fictional place (if not Mordor)?</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/24/8651719/pre-stoke-city-overnight-open-threadStitch Invader2015-05-23T15:04:32+01:002015-05-23T15:04:32+01:00Preview: Stoke City v. Liverpool
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<p>Liverpool bring a disappointing campaign to a close at the Britannia Stadium, where they'll look to wrap up a fifth-place finish and say goodbye to Steven Gerrard in style against Stoke City.</p> <p>Just like that, only one more match until the true pain and anguish starts. Yes, <span>Steven Gerrard's</span> <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a> career is over--at least for the time being--after tomorrow's trip to Stoke, but the true pain will be in the fact that there will be nothing left to distract from full-on rumor mongering and panic. They've proved a poor distraction anyway, but the lack of anything to watch until the preseason starts means that all the off-pitch drama will be pushed into overdrive for the next few months.</p>
<p>Which almost makes the prospect of facing Stoke tolerable; <span>Mark Hughes</span>' side have once again found their way to mid-table, achieving a Premier League record points total and reasserting their place as top-flight regulars. As usual, they've managed a few flashy results while grinding out others, though in recent weeks they've struggled a bit, losing four times since mid-March.</p>
<p>They played out a relatively dull 0-0 draw at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc" class="sbn-auto-link">Burnley</a> last time out, when Hughes went with <span>Jack Butland</span> in goal, <span>Marc Muniesa</span>, <span>Ryan Shawcross</span>, <span>Geoff Cameron</span>, and <span>Erik Pieters</span> at the back, <span>Glenn Whelan</span>, <span>Steven N'Zonzi</span>, and <span>Charlie Adam</span> in midfield, and Marko Arnautovic and <span>Jonathan Walters</span> in support of Mame Diouf up top. <span>Peter Crouch</span>, Peter Odewingie, and <strike>Peter</strike> <span>Steve Sidwell</span> featured off the bench and could play a part here, while <span>Victor Moses</span> and Bojan are ruled out through injury. <span>Stephen Ireland</span> is a late decision due to fitness.</p>
<p>For Liverpool</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mignolet<br>Can Skrtel Sakho Moreno<br>Lucas<br>Henderson Gerrard<br>Lallana Coutinho Ibe</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Jon Flanagan</span> and <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> are ruled out into next season, and yesterday Brendan Rogers indicated that they'll be without <span>Mario Balotelli</span> for what's increasingly looking like his last match in a Liverpool shirt. <span>Mamadou Sakho</span> is the only other question mark, but he's been in training for the last two weeks and should be fit enough to start.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And hopefully he does, as it would provide something close to a bright spot in what's likely to otherwise be a dreary affair. <span>Dejan Lovren</span> has shown glimpses of competence since Sakho's injury, but the Croatian shouldn't be near the starting eleven if Sakho is fit to start. <span>Emre Can</span> will likely feature at right-back again, with Alberto Moreno or <span>Glen Johnson</span> on the opposite side. Given that it's his last match for the club, however, a sentimental start for Johnson is possible.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Similarly, it's expected that Steven Gerrard will get the nod in his final fixture as a full-time Liverpool player, meaning that he'll join <span>Jordan Henderson</span> and one from <span>Joe Allen</span> or Lucas in the midfield. A return for the Brazilian would be welcome, and it would likely push Gerrard a bit further forward in the process. Whether or not he has the legs for it is irrelevant at this point, with the occasion trumping practicality as it did last weekend.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Up top there are myriad options, though it doesn't seem that <span>Raheem Sterling</span> should be one of them. Rodgers was quick to dismiss any talk of turmoil, and benching him after a string of consecutive starts might only exacerbate the problem, but it's hard to see past the events (or non-events, in the case of contract talks) of the week. That would force a start for <span>Rickie Lambert</span> or <span>Fabio Borini</span>, but the manager could also go with <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> in the false nine role that showed some promise earlier in the spring with <span>Adam Lallana</span> and Jordon Ibe providing support. Jerome Sinclair might be in the running as well, and there's no reason for Rodgers not to give him a start after bringing him on in the last two matches.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Kickoff is set for 3:00PM BST/10:00AM EST on Sunday, with SyFy airing the match in the US. Our coverage will continue with any breaking team news, team sheets when they’re released, and live coverage tomorrow including full viewing options and post-match reactions. If you haven’t already, sign up for an SB Nation account and join us for it.</p>
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