Similarly to Saturday, the Reds dominated the first half yet failed to take any of the numerous chances they created, and were duly punished for their profligacy minutes before the break as Jones gave the Potters the lead against the run of play. The visitors responded though, equalising through a breathtaking Suarez strike before the superb number seven went on to seal the win with a smart header five minutes from time.
Heading into the contest the hosts had lost just once in 21 matches at the Britannia Stadium, while the visitors had not left the Potteries victorious from any of their previous four visits. On the other hand, Stoke had progressed past the fourth round of the Carling Cup only once in 33 years and the last time these teams met at this stage of the competition Gerard Houiller’s Liverpool side of 2001 inflicted an embarrassing 8-0 defeat on their opponents.
The facts and stats appeared to balance; however the first 45 minutes were anything but equal, as the Reds began the brighter and remained in the ascendancy throughout. Dalglish made a notable eight changes to the starting line-up that had drew at home to Norwich on the weekend, pairing the misfiring Andy Carroll alongside the on-form Luis Suarez up front. The former has received as much criticism as the latter has praise so far this campaign but, after Walters’ curled effort dinked just over the top right hand corner seven minutes in, it was encouraging to see the expensive duo link up early on.
After running with pace and purpose Carroll saw Sorensen parry his effort into the path of Suarez. Unfortunately, the Uruguayan was unable to control the ball as it rebounded to him too quickly and the opportunity was lost. Lucas, Agger, Suarez and Maxi then combined excellently and excitingly to slice Stoke’s defence apart. Brazilian midfielder Lucas burst into the box and squared the ball to his fellow South American Suarez, whose close range effort forced Sorensen to make an outstanding save.
Lacking confidence, Carroll then failed to take advantage of an opportunity presented to him by a Stoke error, shooting straight at Sorensen from 10 yards out. Kelly made the Danish keeper work harder when his well-struck left footed drive nearly found the net. Sandwiched inbetween those incidents Walters’ header from a typical Delap long throw was chalked off after Ryan Shawcross impeded Reina.
Against Norwich the Reds’ first half dominance was eventually rewarded with a stoppage time strike from Craig Bellamy. The reverse was the case last night, as the frustration resulting from being unable to break the deadlock doubled when Stoke grabbed the opener completely against the run of play moments before the interval. 21-year old recent arrival Sebastian Coates was taught a tough lesson on the unforgiving nature of English football, as Walters took advantage of his fatal indecision to pinch possession and cross to Kenwyne Jones, who headed past the helpless Reina.
There was still time for one last opportunity before the break, as Spearing’s through ball set Suarez in on goal. Honestly, and somewhat unusually, he stayed on his feet despite contact from Shawcross and, unbalanced, his shot dragged disappointingly wide.
Stoke couldn’t keep him quiet for much longer though, as he netted an incredible equaliser ten minutes after the restart. Cheekily nutmegging Shotton, Suarez then curled a perfectly hit shot beyond the grasp of Sorensen and into the corner. It was a truly special strike from a very special player of unquestionably world-class talent.
Somewhat surprisingly, the second half proceeded with less goalmouth action than the first 45, however Liverpool continued to control possession and always looked the more likely to score a second. For the umpteenth time this season free signing Craig Bellamy came on in the closing stages and made an immediate impact on the match. After replacing Maxi on 82 minutes the controversial Welsh winger cum striker played an intelligent one-two with Carroll before hitting the post with a bobbling shot from the edge of the box.
Only a minute later Suarez struck again to give the Reds the lead for the first time in the contest. A long ball was headed clear by the Stoke defence under pressure from the lurking Carroll but Henderson hoisted the ball back into the box, where the unmarked Suarez superbly headed past Sorensen at the back post. It was a fantastic cross from the former Sunderland skipper and arguably an even better finish from Suarez.
With his work complete, match winner Luis Suarez worryingly hobbled off accompanied by a physio, however thankfully he is not believed to be seriously injured and should be fit to replicate this display against Roy Hodgson's West Brom on the weekend. Tony Pulis also made a substitution, replacing Jones with ex Red Peter Crouch. The lanky striker was at the centre of the action late on, appealing for a penalty after being held back by Coates in the box at a corner and hitting just over the bar from four yards out, although it wouldn't have counted anyway as he was flagged offside.
To be fair to the Potters, they had a legitimate grievance as referee Lee Probert failed to spot Coates holding onto Crouch's arm, although Crouch may have fell over a little dramatically. Overall though, they had nothing to complain about as they got what they deserved from the cup-tie; absolutely nothing. Throughout the match Liverpool were far superior in virtually every department and fully deserved their impressive victory.
The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City may remain in the competition but Liverpool will remain strong contenders for the Carling Cup if they continue in this rich vein of form and Luis Suarez conjures up the sort of magical performance he produced last night.
YNWA
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