HOW THE NEW BOYS FARED

GLEN JOHNSON (Stoke)

How different might this match have been had he converted his chance in the 36th minute? Still, Johnson has been recruited to bolster the defence and this was a high-calibre display against his old club.

MARCO VAN GINKEL (Stoke)

The midfielder on loan from Chelsea was voted man of the match by home supporters. Used the ball intelligently, covered plenty of ground and tried to keep his team on the front foot.

IBRAHIM AFELLAY (Stoke)

Elusive and quick, it looked as though Afellay (right) might make a spectacular introduction until his acrobatic volley was charged down. The former Barcelona man seems set to provide plenty of thrills.

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE

(Liverpool) It was noticeable how direct Liverpool wanted to play but the £32million signing from Aston Villa has to be so much more than a target man. Fed off scraps but occasionally a handful.

JAMES MILNER (Liverpool)

The free transfer from Manchester City was steady and dependable, using the ball efficiently. His energy and drive alongside Jordan Henderson kept Liverpool moving forward after the break and the pair could be a good midfield blend.

NATHANIEL CLYNE (Liverpool)

Quiet and efficient in the way he went about his business. The recruit from Crystal Palace (left) did all that was asked of him from a defensive point of view and gave the impression that he can be a steady influence at right back.

JOE GOMEZ (Liverpool)

Found himself wrapped in a bear hug from Martin Skrtel at the final whistle and was later showered with praise by Brendan Rodgers. The 18-yearold defender, signed from Charlton, refused to be bullied and helped to create the goal.

ROBERTO FIRMINO (Liverpool)

Only a 12-minute cameo for the £29million buy from Hoffenheim (left) but not without promise. He wasn’t afraid to put his foot in, took heavy challenges in his stride and almost created a chance with a raking ball.