Football Focus Highlight

Stoke City add to the pain after successfully holding Liverpool drew 1-1 in the Premier League continued, in Britain Stadium, Saturday (16/1/2010). These results add to the wound for the Liverpool supporters who hoped his team could win after eliminated from the FA Cup.

Results were also increasingly distanced hope "The Reds" to get into a big four. They remain buried in order to-7 with the value 34.

In such action, Liverpool are without Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, tried to take the initiative attacks. Liverppol got the first chance of the action to Lucas in the 16th minute. Unfortunately, his shot could still hit one of Stoke City defender.

In minute 26, Lucas is also dangerous penetration. But alas, before fulfilled his efforts, he dropped Higginbotham in the penalty box. However, the referee did not see it as a violation.

Javier Mascherano et al nonchalant with it. They kept pressing and looking for opportunities to score goals. However, some opportunities can still be defeated Stoke defense. As a result, until the halftime whistle sounded, Liverpool could have scored one goal.



After halftime, Liverpool difficulty developing attacks. The reason, they get great pressure from the home team. Indeed, the escort Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina almost conceded by Tuncay Sanli action on 55 minutes. Lucky, Reina's goal was still safe after Tuncay shot was wide.

Furthermore, although the pressure is great enough, Liverpool managed to excel thanks to a goal which was created Sotirios Kyrgiakos in the 58th minute. At that time, managed to maximize the heat Kyrgiakos in front of goal Stoke, after the results of Fabio Aurelio's free kick.

This goal does not necessarily make Liverpool controlled action. They are under pressure again the home team. In fact, almost creating a goal Stoke replies through action Tuncay on 61 minutes. Receiving cross Ryan Shawcross, Tuncay gore ball straight. But unfortunately, the ball is still floating above the ruler.

Seeing his team under pressure, coach Rafael Benitez made a change strategy. He put players Maxi Rodriguez replaces anyarnya Degen on 76 minutes.

However, the introduction of Maxi had little effect on the knocked on Liverpool. They are under pressure again the home team. In fact, Liverpool have to accept the bitter pill for Reina's goal conceded by ASKI Robert Huth in the 90th minute. At that time, Huth managed to continue the ball results utilizing header from Higginbothan football left corner of the sector.

Do not want to lose points, Liverpool tried to maximize the remaining time available. At the time of injury time, Liverpool almost scored a goal by Kuyt action. Unfortunately, Kuyt header still hit the bait pole. The opportunity to be the last chance in this fight. As a result, "The Kop" have forced many points with Stoke.

Teams

Stoke City: Sorensen, Faye (Wilkinson 26), Shawcross, Higginbotham, Huth, Diao, Whitehead, Etherington, Delap (Lawrance 24), Sanli, Sidibe

Liverpool: Reina, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Insua, Carragher, Lucas, Mascherano, Aurelio, Degen (maxi 77), Ngog, Kuyt