Liverpool frustrated by battling Stoke
LONDON: The battle for the top four in the Premier League may go to the final day after Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw at Anfield yesterday by Stoke City whose point may not be enough in their own scrap against relegation.
With Liverpool still to visit Chelsea, who trail them by nine points with two games in hand, Jurgen Klopp’s side may have to beat Brighton on May 13 and rely on their superior goal difference to qualify for the Champions League, assuming they do not secure it by winning this year’s trophy.
On paper, yesterday’s game looked a mismatch, pitting the only team unbeaten at home in England’s top four divisions against the side with the worst away record.
But a Liverpool side with five changes from the starting XI that beat AS Roma 5-2 in the Champions League semi-final, first leg at Anfield lacked their usual intensity and even Mohamed Salah fluffed a chance almost identical to one he buried in midweek.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also scuffed a shot on the six-yard line while Danny Ings had a goal disallowed for marginal offside.
Despite enjoying 72 per cent possession, Liverpool only had two shots on target and it was the first time since Dec 26 that 43goal Salah failed to score after starting a home game.
A dramatic finish saw Liverpool denied a penalty when Erik Pieters handled, while Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross almost snatched what would have been their first league win at Anfield.
“Today was a difficult, intense time for us. I saw everything I wanted to see except fluency and fun and joy,” Klopp said. “It is hard on a day like this. Stoke were a little lucky in some situations, it looked a clear penalty.”