GIFs: Aly Cissokho's Lucky Strike and All the Action from Stoke vs. Liverpool
January 12, 2014
Aly Cissokho gave Liverpool an early lead at the Britannia Stadium with a fortunate fourth-minute strike.
Cissokho lined up an ambitious effort from well outside the box. While the shot appeared to be heading wide of the target, the ball struck Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross on the heel, which redirected it past a helpless Jack Butland.
Stoke were harshly denied a penalty in the 27th minute in a bizarre incident where Martin Skrtel appeared to tackle Shawcross on a Stoke corner. An odd wrestling-like match ensued in the scrum, but no penalty was awarded.
Luis Suarez (who else?) doubled Liverpool's lead in the 32nd minute after more questionable defending from the Potters' back line. Stoke failed to properly deal with a long clearance from Skrtel, Suarez stole the ball from Shawcross and cleanly finished. Suarez now has 22 goals in 16 league matches.
Peter Crouch got Stoke back in the match with a header in the 40th minute.
Then, Charlie Adam got things level right before the half with a rocket shot to cap a breathless first half.
And his reaction was absolutely priceless.
Steven Gerrard gave the lead back to Liverpool after a controversial penalty was awarded to the visitors when Raheem Sterling went down in the box.
Suarez got his brace and put Liverpool two in front with a far-corner finish in the 71st minute, which led to a long embrace and a kiss on the head between Suarez and his strike partner, Daniel Sturridge.
Jon Walters pulled one back for Stoke to make things interesting, but Sturridge put the hosts away for good with a classy goal assisted by Suarez in the 88th minute.
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