AMC) Coutinho – 5.5
Yes, Coutinho gives the ball away too often, but it’s because he’s trying to make things happen – which in the first-half, nobody else was guilty of. One excellent run in the first ended up coming to nothing though, and the Brazilian was clearly annoyed by the lack of movement Rickie Lambert offered him. Should have won a penalty too, when he nutmegged Ryan Shawcross, and the centre-back blocked his path, but nothing was given. Still, he was wasteful in possession, and can expect to be replaced by Adam Lallana on Tuesday as a result.
AML) Raheem Sterling – 7
Much better on the left than he is on the right, this is certain, and Rodgers should use him on this wing more often. Sterling couldn’t break down a compact Stoke defence for most of the game, and some delicately planned one-twos often didn’t come off. However, our wonderkid thrives on space when the game becomes more stretched, and he was increasingly the outlet we used as the need for a goal grew. Stoke backed off him, and his dribbling was – at times – a joy to behold.
FC) Rickie Lambert – 6
Held the ball up well enough, and was strong in the air too. His lack of pace badly restricts the creativity of Sterling and Coutinho behind him though – and on a number of times they were begging out for a striker who made runs in behind the defence. His excellent header from a Henderson cross hit the bar though, which Johnson met and scored with – won the game.
SUBS)
Steven Gerrard – n/a
Rousing reception as he joined the action, but although his arrival saw the team score a goal, he didn’t have a big influence.
Dejan Lovren – n/a
An 89th minute sub, Lovren did the job he was asked to do solidly enough during injury time.