First Half
The first real chance of the game fell to Stoke, as they won a freekick just outside Liverpool's box. Glenn Whelan stepped up for the freekick that would beat the wall, but continue on it's path upwards and over the bar.
Ten minutes in and 'Pool got their first decent attempt, courtesy of a whipped-in cross from Albert Riera. An unfortunate Dirk Kuyt could only nod the ball past the post, much to the relief of the home support.
The Potters were awarded a major confidence boost soon after Kuyt's wide header, as Rory Delap found himself on the end of a botched clearance that was the result of one of his own signature throws. The long-throw luminary could only curse himself, as his short-range attempt rattled off the bar and away from the visitor's goal-mouth.
Things were not looking good for The Reds as the half unfolded. Javier Mascherano was looking more and more frustrated, Jamie Carragher was producing terrible passes and having virtually no first touch, and to put the icing on the cake, the attendees of Britannia Stadium were booing Liverpool's captain, Steven Gerrard.
The league leaders, trying to impose themselves on the game, burst forward in a move that ended in a fantastic piece of play from Kuyt. The Dutch international culminated the attack with a well taken shot at a difficult angle, but Stoke 'keeper, Thomas Sørensen sprawled himself well to force the ball wide.
Stoke were clearly not prepared to let Liverpool dominate the half and met their opponents' enthusiasm with their own. Tony Pulis' side started to enjoy a lot more of the possession, and it is worth noting that a lot of it was not in their own half.
The home side's persistence almost paid off, just as the game reached the half-hour mark. Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross found himself in a very advanced position and managed to head home what could have been the first goal of the game. The referee was quick to notice the linesman's flag and disallow the goal for an offside offence.
The pressure remained on Liverpool as the half drew to a close. Stoke were asking a lot of questions of the visitors, especially in the air and with their long balls. It was evident Rafa Benítez had his work cut out for him at the interval if his side were to leave with three points.
First Half
The first real chance of the game fell to Stoke, as they won a freekick just outside Liverpool's box. Glenn Whelan stepped up for the freekick that would beat the wall, but continue on it's path upwards and over the bar.
Ten minutes in and 'Pool got their first decent attempt, courtesy of a whipped-in cross from Albert Riera. An unfortunate Dirk Kuyt could only nod the ball past the post, much to the relief of the home support.
The Potters were awarded a major confidence boost soon after Kuyt's wide header, as Rory Delap found himself on the end of a botched clearance that was the result of one of his own signature throws. The long-throw luminary could only curse himself, as his short-range attempt rattled off the bar and away from the visitor's goal-mouth.
Things were not looking good for The Reds as the half unfolded. Javier Mascherano was looking more and more frustrated, Jamie Carragher was producing terrible passes and having virtually no first touch, and to put the icing on the cake, the attendees of Britannia Stadium were booing Liverpool's captain, Steven Gerrard.
The league leaders, trying to impose themselves on the game, burst forward in a move that ended in a fantastic piece of play from Kuyt. The Dutch international culminated the attack with a well taken shot at a difficult angle, but Stoke 'keeper, Thomas Sørensen sprawled himself well to force the ball wide.
Stoke were clearly not prepared to let Liverpool dominate the half and met their opponents' enthusiasm with their own. Tony Pulis' side started to enjoy a lot more of the possession, and it is worth noting that a lot of it was not in their own half.
The home side's persistence almost paid off, just as the game reached the half-hour mark. Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross found himself in a very advanced position and managed to head home what could have been the first goal of the game. The referee was quick to notice the linesman's flag and disallow the goal for an offside offence.
The pressure remained on Liverpool as the half drew to a close. Stoke were asking a lot of questions of the visitors, especially in the air and with their long balls. It was evident Rafa Benítez had his work cut out for him at the interval if his side were to leave with three points.
Second Half
As the second half got underway, an awful kick from Pepe Reina fell to Dave Kitson who drove straight towards Reina's goal. The 'keeper made up for his mistake as he forced the carrot-topped forward to belt his shot into the sidenetting. It was at this point Fernando Torres started warming up on the sideline.
Carragher made great use of himself after his previous failings, ten minutes into the half. Liverpool's homegrown defender was positioned beautifully to deny a header from Shawcross at the back post. Still, 'Pool don't look like they are dealing with the aerial balls with any great confidence.
Sixty minutes passed before Fernando Torres was introduced to the game, Rafa sacrificing Albert Riera in an attempt to improve on his side's woeful performance infront of goal.
Gerrard stepped up to take a free kick that he subsequently blasted straight into the wall. Captain Fantastic was awarded a yellow card by the referee who thought it was appropriate, as he hadn't yet signalled that it was okay to proceed. The second attempt was squared to Mascherano, who blasted it into the stands.
Torres hadn't yet had a sniff at goal when Ryan Babel replaced Yossi Benayoun. The visitors were clearly clutching at straws to produce a goal in a game that was still very much there for the taking.
As the game came to an end, the best chances fell to Gerrard who managed to rattle the woodwork twice. Stoke refused to let their guards down and do Liverpool any favours. The performace of the home side earned them a deserved point from the current league leaders.
Stoke City 0 - 0 Liverpool.
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