Liverpool Use Late Rally to Beat Stoke City 2-1 in Premier League

Liverpool grabbed a much-needed win during Saturday's Premier League action, coming from behind to beat Stoke City 2-1.

The Reds struggled in the first half and conceded a late goal, as Jonathan Walters gave the Potters a shock lead.

Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino turned the situation around in the span of three minutes, however, completing an excellent comeback in the second half.

As shared by the Reds' official Twitter account, both Coutinho and Firmino started on the bench:

Here's a look at Stoke's starting XI, which didn't include Ramadan Sobhi:

Liverpool started the match with James Milner in midfield and Trent Alexander-Arnold at full-back, and early on, the move seemed to backfire tremendously.

Xherdan Shaqiri had a goal disallowed after just three minutes, and as shared by Bleacher Report UK's Karl Matchett, the Reds couldn't cope with the constant movement:

Stoke recognised Liverpool's struggles at the back and took full advantage, pressing high. As a result, the Reds failed to work the ball in midfield, and Divock Origi remained isolated up top. It took the Belgian 18 minutes to threaten for the first time, firing an effort well wide of the mark.

The Reds started to gain control of the match midway through the half, and an unfortunate injury for former Liverpool star Joe Allen didn't help matters for the Potters. The Wales international lasted less than half an hour before he was replaced by Charlie Adam.

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Stoke didn't lose their attacking intentions, however, and Simon Mignolet had to react sharply to deny Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian went close again shortly after following a mistake from Dejan Lovren, but this time, he struck the side netting.

Sports writer Jon Townsend went in on the Croatian defender:

The first half was a rather dull affair, but there was plenty of late drama. First, Liverpool were furious when they weren't awarded a penalty for an apparent foul on Ben Woodburn.

On the other side of the pitch, Shaqiri picked out Walters, who diverted the ball past Mignolet for the lead.

Matchett thought the goal should have never happened, as it was a clear foul on Woodburn first:

Klopp had to do something to change his fortunes in the second half, and to no one's surprise, he brought on Coutinho and Firmino. Momentum remained with Stoke, however, and after a blunder from Georginio Wijnaldum, Mignolet had to intervene again, denying Adam.

Milner and Origi both had looks on goal, with both players putting their shots wide, and Firmino put goalkeeper Lee Grant to work with a snap volley.

Bleacher Report UK's Callum Mackenzie anticipated a sustained attack from the visitors:

Coutinho drew another save from Grant and Lovren went even closer, placing a header onto the crossbar after a great cross from Milner.

A goal seemed inevitable, and it was Coutinho who delivered, calmly slotting the ball past Grant after the hosts failed to clear their lines. 

And just a few minutes later, the other substitute delivered as well. Firmino was sent through on goal by Wijnaldum and didn't hesitate, blasting home a stunning volley.

Sam Tighe of Bleacher Report UK couldn't believe it:

Mignolet held up his end of the bargain as well, making another key save on Saido Berahino to preserve the lead.

Shaqiri wanted a penalty after a challenge from Firmino with just minutes left on the clock, but referee Mike Dean was unmoved. Stoke's late push led to nothing, and the Reds held on for the three points.

As shared by ESPN FC's Glenn Price, Klopp was understandably ecstatic after the match:

Liverpool's next outing will be at West Bromwich Albion, while Stoke host Hull City.