Stats Preview: Liverpool vs Stoke

Liverpool vs Stoke City
Premier League
Sunday 7th October 2012, Anfield

This fixture last season ended in a dour goalless draw.

– A rampant Liverpool ran riot last weekend with a 2-5 demolition of Norwich at Carrow Road. Star striker Luis Suarez was the key man as he bagged an impressive hat trick, whilst new boy Nuri Sahin and captain Steven Gerrard also got themselves on the score sheet. This may well be seen as a landmark victory in Brendan Rogers’ tenure at the club, as his side finally started to showcase some of what they’re evidently capable of.

– Joe Allen was yet again Liverpool’s hardest working player against Norwich, as he ran further than any other player on the day with 6.32 miles.

– Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard continues to produce the kind of quality delivery Reds fans have come to expect from him over the years. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index ranks him second for crosses delivered with 27.

– Andre Wisdom proved there’s more than one fleet-footed youngster in the Liverpool squad these days. He was the fastest player on the park against Norwich, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index having clocked him at 21.63 mph.

– Luis Suarez’s hat trick last weekend has been some time coming given his willingness to have a go in front of goal. He is joint first of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for shots on target with 17.

– However, the Uruguayan has also had his fair share of wide attempts this season and so could do with looking to improve his overall accuracy. He’s been off target with 16 attempts, again placing him top of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

– Two goals from Peter Crouch took Stoke to a dominant 2-0 victory last time out against Swansea. Tony Pulis’ side were being questioned over their style of play going into the game against the more expressive Swan’s, but answered their critics in the most decisive way possible.

– Jonathan Walters again embodied the work rate Tony Pulis demands of his players as he ran further than any of his team mates in their shut out of Swansea. He covered 6.12 miles of ground against the Swans.

– Despite his two goal haul at the weekend, Peter Crouch is again near the summit of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for tackles lost committed. He’s come off second best in 96% of his 23 challenges so far this season.

– Crouch’s attacking form has evidently been more than solid though. He’s been on target with 71% of his 14 attempts on goal.

– With Robert Huth’s 32 interceptions, his reading of the game has been excellent this season. However, his tackling could certainly use some improvement as he’s only won 50% of his 20 tackles.

– Geoff Cameron proved to be the quickest player on the day for Stoke against Swansea. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index recorded the American at an impressive 21.51mph.

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