Liverpool fought back to earn a much-needed victory against Stoke on Saturday afternoon – a win that feels bigger than just a 2-1.
Stoke 1-2 Liverpool
Premier League, Britannia Stadium
April 8, 2017
Goals: Walters 42′, Coutinho 70′, Firmino 72′
The Reds were without a number of key players including Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho – who only made the bench.
They were boosted by the return of Joel Matip to the starting line-up though, while there was a full league debut for Ben Woodburn.
Roberto Firmino also had to settle for a place on the bench alongside Daniel Sturridge.
It wasn’t the start Liverpool hoped for as Jonathan Walters broke the deadlock for Stoke shortly before half-time – moments after a stonewall penalty wasn’t given for the visitors.
There were several changes made in an attempt to make a difference in the second half as Liverpool search for an equaliser. Coutinho and Firmino replaced the two youngsters and the Brazilian duo proved key.
The Reds’ No.10 and No.11 made a difference almost immediately as they both got their names on the scoresheet to put Liverpool in the lead.
Stoke couldn’t find a reply and Liverpool held on to a tight lead – most notably thanks to Simon Mignolet‘s superb save within 90 seconds of going 2-1 ahead.
Here are all the best reactions from Liverpool supporters on social media as they held on to a 2-1 lead;
There were mixed opinions to see Woodburn and Alexander-Arnold start…
Big day for both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Woodburn. Great chance for the both of them to impress.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) April 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/jamestpower/status/850715944074829825
We're a decent attacker on for Woodburn away from looking better on the counter, and a decent centre back away from being more solid
— Alex Barilaro (@Alex_Barra12) April 8, 2017
Stoke took the lead just before half-time and fans weren’t happy…
Walters again ??
— Kauser Soze (@NinaKauser) April 8, 2017
How does a 43-year-old Walters bag against us every single time he plays us. Becomes Messi with strength. Infuriating.
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) April 8, 2017
Terrible terrible marking by Klavan there, completely at fault for that goal, out of position, misses the challenge, goal. #LFC
— ?? Imani: That Good Craic (@imanilfc) April 8, 2017
Coutinho and Firmino’s goals were celebrated hugely!
Brazilian MAGIC ????????
— YNWABible (@YNWABible) April 8, 2017
“I Hope Klopp’s learnt from his learnt from his lesson. Don’t touch the team. We can’t defend. Leave our creative players on.” – Kusaggi on the forums.
Brazilpool ??
— OLSC Sacramento (@OLSC_Sacramento) April 8, 2017
Liverpool held on to a 2-1 lead and fans were delighted…
Boom. Massive 3pts Liverpool. All is forgiven ???? pic.twitter.com/SEOUORLm8E
— Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) April 8, 2017
“What a beautiful ugly win!”
– NorseDweller on the forums.
https://twitter.com/mr_callumwright/status/850738380161810432
Clearly the boys didn't want to feel my wrath…coutinho and firmino stepped up to the plate and delivered…big time. Thank you.
— thegalaxywoman (@thegalaxywoman) April 8, 2017
“Our defence is unreliable though our attack should be credited”
– Navin Ramnoth on the forums.
What a result that is!!!! #COYR!!
— LFCFanz (@LFCFanz) April 8, 2017
Not a vintage performance by Liverpool, saved by 2 cracking goals! 3 points feel sweeter when you're not at your best!
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) April 8, 2017
Fair play to Jurgen Klopp. Got his subs wrong in midweek but they were absolutely spot on today. Changed the game for us.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) April 8, 2017
“Biggest win of the season!”
– Ankit YNWA on Facebook.
What a win for The Redmen, Massive Win ????
— Darren Farley (@DFImpressionist) April 8, 2017
“This is the kind of determination we need at Liverpool.”
– Kiprotich Evans on Facebook.
Massive win that, two brilliant saves by the Mig. Take a bow son.
— The Liverpool Way (@theliverpoolway) April 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/JosephMusker/status/850739829348470784
The Brazilians were brilliant when they came on, but Emre Can was a real leader in that 2nd half. Hitting form at just the right time.
— Green Scouser (@Green_Scouser) April 8, 2017
We’ll leave you with this rather brilliant stat:
Roberto Firmino has been booked more times (7) for 'excessive celebration' since 2012/13 than any other player in Europe's top 5 leagues. pic.twitter.com/DfCO81fGEp
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 8, 2017
Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.
Fan Comments