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In the opening fixture of the 2013-14 season, Liverpool defeated Stoke City 1-0 at Anfield, courtesy Daniel Sturridge’s 37th minute strike. Below are some of the key stats of the match.
(All statistics are courtesy WhoScored.com)
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Player Ratings (out of 10)
LIVERPOOL
Simon Mignolet: Seemed nervous at the start on his league debut for Liverpool in front of the Kop, but gradually settled nicely into his role. Made some good saves before saving a penalty in the 88th minute to ensure 3 points for the team
Rating: 8
Glen Johnson: It was a usual game for Johnson who used every opportunity to make a run into the opponent’s half. Looked comfortable with the ball, and wasn’t troubled much defensively.
Rating: 7
Kolo Toure: The experienced Toure made his league debut for Liverpool and looked solid and assured at the back. Brought in to the team as a replacement for Jamie Carragher, Toure slotted effortlessly into the side’s defence.
Rating: 7
Daniel Agger: Liverpool’s new vice-captain was having a good solid game in which he handled Stoke’s physical presence, till the 87th minute, when his ludicrous handball almost cost Liverpool 2 points. Was lucky that Mignolet’s penalty save spared him the blushes.
Rating: 6
Jose Enrique: Solid performance on the left flank, though he missed a great chance to score in the first half. Enrique put in an assured performance in which he linked up well with Aspas and Coutinho.
Rating: 7
Lucas Leiva: Helped break up Stoke’s attacks whenever they seemed to threaten. Made a crucial goal-line clearance towards the end of the first half.
Rating: 8
Steven Gerrard: The game saw a commanding performance from the talismanic Liverpool skipper and he was excellent in his deliveries from set pieces.
Rating: 8
Jordan Henderson: Given a chance to play ahead of Joe Allen, Henderson put in a determined performance. He was unlucky to be denied a goal because of the woodwork.
Rating: 7
Philippe Coutinho: The youngster continued to impress as he was a constant threat in the game. His passing was exceptional.
Rating: 8
Iago Aspas: It was an encouraging debut for Aspas, as he linked up well in attack and worked hard. Had a few chances to score, which he failed to capitalize upon.
Rating: 7
Daniel Sturridge: Continuing his goal-scoring form for Liverpool, Sturridge scored the match winner, which was a well taken goal.
Rating: 8
Substitutes
Raheem Sterling: Replaced Aspas in the 72nd minute, and did well to retain possession towards the end when Liverpool were trying to close out the game.
Rating: 6
STOKE
Asmir Begovic: The Bosnian goalkeeper was brilliant in defeat. Although he was beaten by Sturridge’s goal, he made some world class saves to keep his side in the hunt till the end.
Rating: 8
Geoff Cameron: Given a torrid time by Coutinho, Cameron struggled to get a grip on the game was drawn into fouls regularly.
Rating: 5
Ryan Shawcross: Was solid despite pressure from Liverpool. Used his height and strength well.
Rating: 7
Robert Huth: Was unlucky to see his volley crash into the crossbar in the first half. Struggled against the Liverpool players’ movement and was often caught out of position.
Rating: 5
Erik Pieters: The new signing struggled and was given a tough time by Aspas, Sturridge and Johnson on his flank.
Rating: 4
Glenn Whelan: Was industrious, but sometimes sloppy in possession. Was overrun by Gerrard in the centre of the midfield.
Rating: 5
Steven Nzonzi: Worked hard, and put up a resilient display. But was unable to have much impact as Liverpool dominated the midfield.
Rating: 6
Marc Wilson: Filling in for the ill Wilson Palaicos, failed to impress and remained mostly anonymous in the game.
Rating: 4
Jonathan Walters: The penalty miss summed up his performance in the game, in which he tried his best but was unable to leave any impact.
Rating: 5
Peter Crouch: Had a quiet outing against his former club, as he was unable to better the defensive duo of Agger and Toure.
Rating: 4
Matthew Etherington: Was lively, but struggled to make an impact in the game, as he didn’t bother the Liverpool defence, nor helped a struggling Pieters in Stoke’s defending.
Rating: 5
Substitutes
Jermaine Pennant: Couldn’t change the outcome of the game after coming on, and didn’t cause too many worries for the Liverpool defence.
Rating: 5
Kenwyne Jones: Missed out on scoring from the rebound off Walters’ penalty. Otherwise anonymous after he came on.
Rating: 4
Charlie Adam: His free-kick into the Liverpool box led to the penalty, and made a few decent passes. Couldn’t do much otherwise.
Rating: 5
