Liverpool

3.04

• 
  9

  0

  3.00

  José Reina Paez

  Left hopelessly exposed by his team-mates for Crouch's goal but other than that was a largely quiet afternoon.

• 
  8

  0

  3.00

  Jamie Carragher

  Back in the starting line-up of late and enjoyed the physical encounter with Walters and Crouch

• 
  14

  0

  3.00

  José Enrique

  Not his usual attacking force but was by no means poor. The Spaniard has certainly established himself as one of the best left-backs in the league.

• 
  9

  4

  2.50

  Martin Kelly

  Highly rated by Liverpool but would have won no admirers following this performance. He made one terribly timed tackle in the first-half, while his passing was poor throughout.

• 
  19

  0

  3.50

  Martin Skrtel Top of the Match

  The no-nonsense defender has been one of Liverpool's best players this season and put in another faultless, powerful showing.

• 
  12

  1

  3.50

  Jay Spearing

  The local lad was the anchor in midfield and kept the ball simple but needs to take a few more risks

• 
  8

  3

  2.50

  Maxi Rodríguez

  Brought back into the starting line-up but was not particularly effective as he was brought off after an hour for Kuyt.

• 
  14

  0

  3.00

  Stewart Downing

  The winger is expected to deliver the crosses for Carroll but his delivery was dire on this occasions. He has endured a tough season and is clearly low on confidence but will be delighted to have scored his first goal.

• 
  10

  1

  3.00

  Steven Gerrard

  The talisman struggled to enforce himself on the game in the first-half and was marginally better in the second. When you set such high standards you can't help but expect a bit more

• 
  7

  3

  3.00

  Andy Carroll

  Was always going to be tough for Carroll against the robust pairing of Shawcross and Huth and probably came off second best.

• 
  17

  0

  3.50

  Luis Suárez

  Took his time to get into the game but sparked it into life with a top drawer effort that set the tone for the rest of the tie.

Substitutions

• 
  7

  1

  0.00

  Sebastián Coates

  Given the closing moments in place of Stephen Kelly.

• 
  6

  1

  0.00

  Jordan Henderson

  Came on for the final few minutes, replacing Suarez.

• 
  8

  0

  3.00

  Dirk Kuyt

  Came on for Maxi after an hour to shore up the midfield and played the ball safely without taking any risks.

Stoke City

3.04

• 
  0

  2

  3.00

  Thomas Sørensen

  Could do nothing about Suarez's goal in the first-half put made a couple of smart stops to keep the deficit at one

• 
  0

  2

  3.00

  Andy Wilkinson

  The steady defender is not always keen to bomb forward like the modern day full-back but stuck to his duties admirably to keep Maxi quiet

• 
  0

  2

  3.00

  Marc Wilson

  Calm in possession and in the tackle Wilson offered good support while coping with Suarez who drifted out-wide on many occasions.

• 
  1

  2

  3.50

  Robert Huth

  A rock at the back. The German loves to mix it with the likes of Andy Carroll and was at the top of his game to offer the perfect foundation for his team.

• 
  1

  2

  3.50

  Ryan Shawcross

  Gets away with a very physical nature to his marking but can be safe in the knowledge he is one of the steadiest Premier League performers.

• 
  0

  2

  3.00

  Ryan Shotton

  In the side for his playing ability but offers the option of a long throw but sadly the Anfield sidelines did not offer enough room for his run-ups

• 
  1

  2

  3.00

  Dean Whitehead

  A classy display from the Stoke captain. Lots of first time passes out of midfield that were always precise and positive

• 
  0

  2

  3.00

  Glenn Whelan

  Picked up a yellow in the first-half for a poor tackle on Gerrard but offers some creativity to the Stoke midfield

• 
  0

  3

  2.50

  Matthew Etherington Flop of the Match

  Large anonymous in the first-half and came off for Jerome in the second to end a poor afternoon.

• 
  0

  2

  3.00

  Jonathan Walters

  Wasted a good chance in the first-half but has formed a good understanding with Crouch in the Stoke attack

• 
  1

  2

  3.50

  Peter Crouch

  Scored against his former club and linked play with some deft touches to show his flair and ability is still very much their to offer

Substitutions

• 
  0

  1

  3.00

  Jermaine Pennant

  Came on to replace Shotton on the hour mark to add some much needed width but often found himself with two Liverpool defenders to contend with forcing him to go back

• 
  0

  2

  2.50

  Rory Delap

  Came on for the final 15 minutes for Whitehead but didn't get the opportunity to launch in one of his trademark throws