Stoke vs. Liverpool: Score and Reaction from 2015 Premier League Match

Liverpool gained revenge on Stoke City for their 6-1 thrashing at the end of last season with a late 1-0 away win in their Premier League opener on Sunday. 

A fabulous 30-yard strike by Philippe Coutinho in the dying minutes was enough for Brendan Rodgers' side, as the Anfield giants stole the victory in what was a poor game. 

Liverpool struggled for much of the match, as Stoke's defence failed to buckle under their attacks—but Rodgers will be delighted his team grabbed what looked an unlikely result. 

The Reds gave starts to debutantes Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner and Christian Benteke, with the Potters doing the same for Ibrahim Afellay, Marco van Ginkel and former Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson. 

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Liverpool left another summer signing, Roberto Firmino, on the bench after he joined pre-season training late following Copa America duty for Brazil. 

The first half was a largely dour affair, as the teams contested a physical battle with very little finesse. 

The ball continuously pinballed around the midfield as neither side could capitalise on their possession, leading to a rather frustrating attacking performance from both clubs. 

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Stoke had the best chance of the half as Johnson was presented with a wonderful chance after 36 minutes. The right-back inexplicably found himself with the ball at his feet—standing on the penalty spot—after a rebound, but the England defender could not find the composure to score in his first match, scooping his opportunity wide. 

Rodgers' side opted for a longer approach—an ironic tactical ploy against the much derided Stoke—but they failed to utilise Benteke in the air.

But Liverpool blogger Chuck Dozie praised the former Aston Villa man for his opening efforts, pointing the finger at the team's lack of support:

Jordon Ibe, operating as an attacking midfielder, was the Reds' best hope of breaking down the hosts, with Radio 5 Live's Mark Lawrenson (h/t BBC Sport) praising the youngster in the first half: "Jordon Ibe is a very good player. Despite his lack of experience, he's very mature. Ibe's a player who's really been exciting the Liverpool coaching staff—he's way ahead in his development." 

Football writer Michael Cox was unimpressed with the action as the goalless first half came to a close:

Goal USA's Benjamin Valentine also commented on Liverpool's poor performance, and he proclaimed the loss of Steven Gerrard was not the cause of Rodgers' side's lack of spark:

Stoke started the brighter of the two sides in the second half, as Mark Hughes' team looked to press higher up the pitch.

Liverpool's ability to pass through Stoke appeared to be compromised, with Lawrenson highlighting the Reds' lack of goal threat, per BBC Sport: "Liverpool have bought all these players to try and solve the goalscoring crisis from last year, but there's nobody in the box. Christian Benteke is the only player in there."

The Reds, however, edged their way back into matters, as Rodgers' side increased their tempo after the substitution of the ineffective Adam Lallana for Emre Can.

Coutinho created Liverpool's best chance of the match after the hour mark, with his control and shot rebounding to Benteke, who failed to hit the target as the Stoke defence scrambled. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

Ibe continued to impress with his dribbling on the right side but was replaced by Firmino, who made his opening bow after 77 minutes.

And with just five minutes remaining, the mercurial Coutinho stole the win for Liverpool as his unexpected piledriver screamed into Jack Butland's net.

The Brazilian received the ball outside the box and delivered one of his trademark long finishes to take the 1-0 win. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

It was a disappointing game for the watching neutral and does not give fans of either club a barometer reading of the year ahead. Liverpool appeared to be fearful of a similar beating as last year at Stoke and were cautious and conservative in their play. 

However, Rodgers will feel the win justifies his tactics, especially after watching his side beaten by an avalanche of goals last year. 

Stoke were their usual dogged self and look like a team who will not be beaten at home on too many occasions. 

Hughes has his side well set up at present, and they should be way off the relegation scrap at the end of the campaign. 

Post-Match Reaction

Rodgers lauded his team after their win and spoke about the influence of Coutinho, per BBC Sport:

"

It was a good performance after a long pre-season—to get the win after what happened here last season was even more important. We showed great character and determination as a team, and our quality came through.

Coutinho did very well. He has only been back three weeks, but he is at a good level of fitness. He did a wonderful spin to get away from Glenn Whelan and then got the shot off, which beat Jack Butland, who is an excellent keeper. It was a wonderful goal to cap a really good performance.

"

Hughes bemoaned his side's luck with their late defeat but was happy with the Potters' overall performace, per BBC Sport:

"

I do not think any team deserved the win; a draw would have been the fair result.

Liverpool have invested a lot of money this summer, but I did not see £80 million worth of difference between the teams. We are at a good level without going into the transfer market too much.

We will get stronger and be more creative. In terms of the performance as this is the first day of the season, I am quietly confident we can go on from this point.

"

Liverpool's next match is at home to Premier League newcomers Bournemouth on Aug. 17, with Stoke due to play at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.