English Premier League
Result: Liverpool 4-1 Stoke City
Date: 27 December 2016
Venue: Anfield
Liverpool reclaimed second spot in the English Premier League after thumping Stoke City 4-1 at Anfield on Tuesday evening.
Stoke broke the deadlock after 12 minutes as John Walters glanced home Erik Peters's cross at the near post.
The Reds nearly leveled matters after 23 minutes when Roberto Firmino broke into the box, but the Brazilian's effort was cleared off the line by Peter Crouch.
Liverpool eventually drew level after 33 minutes as Glen Johnson's attempted clearance fell to Adama Lallana, who fired a low effort into the far corner.
Jurgen Klopp's charges then took the lead just before the halftime break, as Roberto Firmino controlled well before firing home a low effort past
The hosts extended their advantage after 59 minutes when Gianelli Imbula put the ball through his own net by turning home Divock Origi's cross.
Daniel Sturridge was introduced in the 69th minute and found the back of the net a minute later, as he latched onto a poor bass from Ryan Shawcross before firing home, 4-1
Both sides opted for a change after 75 minutes, as Ibrahim Affelay made his first appearance of the season for Stoke, while Alberto Morena replaced Firmino.
Liverpool managed to see out the closing stages with relative ease as they moved six points behind leaders Chelsea.
