It looked like his plan to give youth a chance had backfired as Walters was left totally unmarked to bury Shaqiri's inch-perfect cross past Simon Mignolet. It was only after the introduction of Brazilian duo Coutinho and Firmino at the start of the second half - in place of Woodburn and Alexander-Arnold - that Liverpool played like a team chasing a Champions League spot. Dejan Lovren headed against the bar before Coutinho swept home the equalizer from 12 yards out. Liverpool fans were still celebrating when Firmino lashed a dipping shot over Lee Camp from 22 yards, a sublime goal worthy of winning any match. Mignolet still had to produce a fine save to deny Saido Berhaino, but Liverpool hung on to move nine points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal, although the Reds have played three games more.
Stoke slipped to 13th in the table after a fourth successive league defeat. They were the better team in the first half but Mark Hughes' side remain without a win against a team currently in the top six - eight defeats in 11 games. At 1-0 they wasted a great chance to double the lead when Charlie Adam was denied at close range by Mignolet after a terrible mistake by Wijnaldum. Had that gone it, it could have been a different story. The Potters still need another four points to reach 40 with six fixtures left, including a home match against Arsenal. They ought to do it with games to spare - but they need to escape this losing run before it causes serious damage.
