LIVERPOOL 4-0 STOKE CITY

LIVERPOOL 4-0 STOKE CITY Wednesday 19 August 2009 20:00 , Barclays Premier League

LFC 4-0 STOKE: THE VERDICT Here's the pick of the post-match reaction following Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Stoke City at Anfield on Wednesday. The local paper Stoke were chasing their first win at Anfield for 50 years and Liverpool were looking to avoid starting a season with two straight defeats for the first time since 1924. In truth neither ever looked likely after an opening period in which the Reds flew out of the blocks in the same fashion which left the likes of Real Madrid and Aston Villa gasping for air in the closing months of last season. James Pearce, Liverpool Echo The tabloid Benitez bought England full back Johnson to provide attacking verve down the flanks and a surprise extra man in attack, especially here at Anfield and especially against sides like Stoke given that their draw here last season provided the template of how to steal points from Anfield. A year on, and the Reds have passed their first big test, because they demolished Stoke and in the process posted warning that they may be a different proposition at home. David Maddock, Daily Mirror The broadsheet A year ago, Stoke held Liverpool to a goalless draw at Anfield, a result that owed a much to a Steven Gerrard effort being ruled out for no apparent reason after just two minutes. This time there was to be no such reprieve for the visiting team. Gerrard helped to tee up Torres's first goal of the season, Johnson's acrobatics effectively ended the game as a meaningful contest, and in the second period Liverpool simply kept up the pressure, with Lucas Leiva controlling play in midfield. Dirk Kuyt scored the third goal with 12 minutes remaining after a moment of inspiration from Gerrard, who produced a graceful pirouette that was too much for Danny Higginbotham, the defender ending up on the seat of his pants watching Kuyt finish the move. David Ngog, a substitute, completed the rout, leaving a content Benitez to enjoy not only the spoils of victory but also the knowledge that his team had carried out his orders. Tony Barrett, The Times The tabloid Many judge Pepe Reina to be the best goalkeeper in the Barclays Premier League and that number can only have increased after the way he launched himself to his left and tipped Delap's effort around the post at full stretch. It was to be Stoke's only genuine threat on goal and their fate was sealed by a flash of brilliance from Gerrard in the 78th minute. The England midfielder is renowned for his surging runs, but it was close control and inspired vision that allowed him to bring down Mascherano's chipped pass and turn past Etherington in one movement before rolling the ball along the six-yard line for Kuyt to force home. John Edwards, Daily Mail The broadsheet Johnson's principal rival for the man-of-the-match award was Steven Gerrard, who was behind each of the first three goals. If he had done nothing else, the England midfielder's high-speed "Cruyff turn" in the build-up to Kuyt's goal deserved the thunderous acclaim on his substitution. Phil Shaw, Independent The manager The first goal was important and the second was a big difference because they had to go forward, we had more space. We were patient, played well on the ball and took our chances. Rafa Benitez The player Obviously it was brilliant to score my first for Liverpool and to do it on my home debut was amazing, but the win was more important to get us out of the starting blocks. Glen Johnson The opposition manager I think when they have their tails up they are a great team and I thought Johnson and Kuyt on the right and Benayoun on the left were excellent, and then Torres up front as well, he was fantastic. Tony Pulis, Stoke City The fan Johnson deserved his goal for an excellent performance. He was always a threat and you can see why Rafa brought him in. He will be very useful against park the bus teams as he has trickery and skill going forward. Mascherano was tigerish but Lucas was the main man in midfield tonight with good distribution and some excellent tackling. Benayoun and Kuyt were lively and Gerrard and Torres did their bit too - lovely skill from Stevie for the third. Dousty, Liverpoolfc.tv forums