English Premier League
Result: Liverpool 1-0 Stoke
Date: 29 November 2014
Venue: Anfield
A last-ditch winner helped Liverpool claim all the spoils against Stoke in their Premier League clash. The opening half had little to show for itself in terms of attacking football. Neither side could create much going forward and the hosts seemed to lack motivation and urgency in their play. The Reds' tactics appeared to be prioritise defending. They were unable to build plays from the back because Rickie Lambert was often so far back that they had no outlet when they decided to go forward. Fortunately the second half saw a noticeable improvement from both sides going forward. In the 54th minute, Mame Diouf had a great chance as he ran onto a superb ball from Bojan but the Stoke striker was denied by Simon Mignolet who sprawled to block the shot. Bojan then came close as he sped into a good position before smashing a shot on goal. The attempt was inches from perfect as it rattled the post instead of sneaking in. Then moments later at the other end, Liverpool had a chance of their own. Raheem Sterling collected the ball after a rebound off Ryan Shawcross and sent a low shot at goal but saw his effort slide just past the post. Asmir Begovic kept Stoke in the game with a top save in the 63rd minute. Lucas ran onto a ball from Jordan Henderson to send a venomous strike on goal, but Begovic palmed away the strike. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute. A lofted ball into the Stoke area found Lambert who hit the woodwork with his header. The rebound gave Glen Johnson the chance to bravely head home the low ball and clinch the three points.
