Coutinho and Firmino ride to Liverpool’s rescue

STOKE: Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho came off the bench to inspire Liverpool to a 2-1 comeback victory over Stoke in the English Premier League yesterday. With Liverpool trailing to a Jonathan Walters header at halftime, the Brazilian duo emerged from the reserves to score within two minutes of each other.

The match-winning pair was rested by manager Juergen Klopp as his side contested its third Premier League game in six days, but another 45 minutes on the sideline proved to be enough before the pair were sent on to secure a victory that strengthened Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes.

Victory kept Liverpool in third place, two points above fourth-place Manchester City having played a game more. Mark Hughes’s Stoke sit 14th, eight points above the relegation zone, after their fourth straight defeat.

There was a big surprise before kick-off with the news that Coutinho and Firmino were on the bench. Coutinho had been ill and Firmino was rested due to fatigue.

Xherdan Shaqiri made an instant impact as he returned to action for the first time since January to cross for Walters to give Stoke the lead with a near post header right before halftime. Having appeared out of sorts in the first half without two of its most talented attacking players, Liverpool was a different side after Coutinho and Firmino were introduced at the break.

Coutinho’s corner was headed onto the crossbar by Lovren on the hour, before he decided to take matters into his own hands.

Emre Can’s cross fell into Coutinho’s path in the center of the penalty area, and he finished accurately into the bottom corner to level in the 70th. Two minutes later, Firmino latched onto Georginio Wijnaldum’s throughball, letting it bounce once and striking a spectacular volley high into the net. The Reds could have had a penalty when 17-year-old Woodburn-on his full Premier League debut-went down under a challenge from Erik Pieters just inside the box.

But referee Mike Dean waved play on and Stoke took the lead soon after. Liverpool held on for its first away victory in the league this year.—AP