DUNN

BRITAIN’S BEST COLUMNIST FROM ANFIELD

four, but it is mathematically possible. Ditto Stoke City’s chances of survival – highly unlikely, but mathematically possible. Their commitment warranted a point here, but it is surely not enough.

As affable as he is, as dexterous on Twitter as he is, there was something about Peter Crouch – whose next birthday stop is his 38th – starting up front that summed up Stoke’s occasionally farcical season.

Seriously, as good as he has been, Crouch at this stage of his splendid career is not a Premier League starter. Not unless you are a team destined for relegation, of course.

And with a litany of dreadful signings, ill-advised contracts and a badly-timed managerial sacking, that is Stoke City.

At least theybaloleok lsiakgena heading dowbnasisnontghrocwambapbcekll Stoke style, adadwmsoirnablveerimnatehleenir endeavour bucotrlhukaardlyclaichtyhing of beauty. Had Ryan Shawcross bundled in Mame Diouf’s late miscued shot, it would been a winner scruffydefnoeougrhostiockby efit the occasion. But as off-colour as they were, it would also have been harsh on Liverpool.

Games kicking off just after midday should be outlawed.

Every player’s urgings and running commentaries were audible most of the time.

It was a shockingly poor game to watch, but slightly more interesting to listen to. As were the views of Klopp and Paul Lambert.

The latter was understandably proud of the performance and of his personal record of six games unbeaten as a manager at Anfield.

Which is nice, but doesn’t matter a jot.

What matters is that Lambert won his first game as Stoke City manager, and has not managed the same feat in 12 successive attempts.

Klopp, if a little downcast, was phlegmatic about the performance.

Probably like most of his players, probably like most of the crowd, he had Rome on his mind.

You could not really blame them.

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