Paul Lambert managed to keep his Anfield record intact as he now remains unbeaten on his six visits to Liverpool’s stadium after his Stoke City side managed to take a point from their trip to Merseyside this weekend.
Mohamed Salah missed a sitter early in the game while Danny Ings scored a goal which was ruled out as off-side as a new-look Liverpool side fell to their third draw in their last four league games.
They still need three points in their last two games to cement their place in the top-4 while the Potters moved to within three points of safety. The hosts were denied a couple of half shouts for penalties and one shout for a handball inside the box that looked stone wall but the biggest regret for the Reds in this tie will be the knocks skipper Jordan Henderson and young Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up during the game.
Jurgen Klopp will hope that they are fit and ready for the trip to Rome next week but here are the player ratings in this 0-0 draw for Liverpool:
Loris Karius (6)
Was hardly tested by Stoke City as he had a comfortable night, helping himself to a clean sheet.
Joe Gomez (5)
Was wayward with his passing and lost the ball far too frequently in build-up play but was quick to snuff out the danger in and around the box.
Virgil van Dijk (7)
Ventured forward when needed and did well to keep the likes of Crouch and Diouf away from the goal for most of the game.
Ragnar Klavan (6)
Was the target of most long balls as Crouch got the better of him on occasion but held his ground well and saw off most of what was thrown at him.
Alberto Moreno (6)
A couple of superb crosses in attack and though struggled against Shaqiri and Diouf, did well to hold on to a clean sheet.
Jordan Henderson (7)
Was not as energetic as against Roma but put in a good shift in the midfield, keeping his side on the front foot.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7)
Should have had a penalty in front of the Kop and should have scored in the first half. Was quick to convert defence into attack and kept the Stoke midfielders on their toes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6)
Was looking bright until he picked up a knock, after which he was happy to sit back and help in build-up play.
Mohamed Salah (6)
An early miss that could have won the game was not the only chance he missed but should have won a penalty in the second half and was one of the many Liverpool players ending the game with a knock.
Danny Ings (6)
Did not last the whole game but showed great energy and was unlucky to be caught offside before a superb finish.
Roberto Firmino (7)
Showed great energy right till the end of the game but not his usual self, probably with the game in Rome already on his mind.
Substitutes
James Milner (6)
Came on to add some mettle to the midfield and relieve Trent of his midfield duties.
Nathaniel Clyne (N/A)