Clearly, the current template has been set for playing Liverpool. Most teams will start with their strongest 30 minutes, pressing and harrying the Reds with hopes disruption and getting on top early. The plan worked reasonably well for Stoke for a little while. Then it did not.
After falling behind, Liverpool again took over the second half and swatted aside Stoke City 4-1 at Anfield. Considering that nearly all their rivals won at the weekend, Liverpool knew they needed to keep pace.
After a slow start, they did exactly that, returning to second place in the table behind a Chelsea side that seems to just keep winning.
Liverpool will need to get used to weathering the early storm and strengthening their grip as the match wears on. It may not be a tactic exercised by Manchester City who also wants to dominate the ball. Yet, most teams simply lack the kind of quality required to fend off the fluid attacking force of the Reds.
Liverpool continues to win matches of all kinds and scoring more goals than anyone else in the process. There is still moments of complete comedy defending, as were on display against the Potters. Still, they have now proven they can outlast a side, wearing them down, and seizing complete control of the contest.
Here’s what I took from the game:
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