How Twitter Reacted to Liverpool's Injury-Stricken League Cup Win over Stoke

Tuesday evening's League Cup semi-final saw Stoke and their team of Champions League winners take on the traditional powerhouse of Liverpool.

The Reds came away with a fairly convincing 1-0 victory, but before kick-off, there wasn't an awful lot of confidence being expressed on Twitter in their ability to get a result at the Britannia:

The most significant piece of team news was Jurgen Klopp's decision to bench Christian Benteke, favouring Roberto Firmino up front. Despite the decision to leave out the squad's only fit striker, Reds fans didn't seem too concerned:

"

No Benteke starting means I can least have ten mins without cursing him

— Sean Halliday (@Linko64) January 5, 2016"

After 18 minutes, Philippe Coutinho made his exit with a hamstring issue, adding to Liverpool's injury woes:

Liverpool's production rate slowed down when Coutinho came off, allowing the hosts to settle into the game. Shortly before the half-hour mark, former Liverpool star Glen Johnson started trending after hitting a shot miles over bar:

"

I simply struggle to accept that Glen Johnson is a professional footballer.

— Chris (@ChrisW93_) January 5, 2016"

"

Glen Johnson should probably be in prison for wearing 8 as a right back

— Ian Young (@IanYoungEsq) January 5, 2016"

With around 15 minutes of the first half to go, Liverpool's injury crisis deepened even further when yet another player limped off with hamstring issues. This time, it was Dejan Lovren who may or may not have warmed up sufficiently:

"

Let's take a look at my bench options for the second half... pic.twitter.com/0Hjo32u6td

— KloppLAD (@KloppLAD) January 5, 2016"

In the 37th minute, the visitors pulled ahead and secured a vital away goal through Jordon Ibe. Joe Allen provided the assist, although the Welshman appeared to have accidentally helped out after completely scuffing a shot: 

"

Jordan Ibe is better than Messi! https://t.co/vmLsdktl6F

— KloppLAD (@KloppLAD) January 5, 2016"

Liverpool continued to impress as the game went into its final 30 minutes, but Firmino was not winning too many plaudits for his actions:

"

Firmino is odd, can't make up my mind on him at all

— Nate (@NateGuildea) January 5, 2016"

When Benteke replaced Joe Allen for the final 10 minutes, the Belgian did little to enhance his reputation:

Stoke huffed and puffed in the final few minutes to get the equaliser—and Peter Crouch certainly made a nuisance of himself—but Liverpool will ultimately take a one-goal lead into the second leg.

Touche.