Patience Needed As Kenny Dalglish Looks To Steer Liverpool Ship To Success

It is said that you learn more in defeat than you do in success. In Liverpool’s case, they will have learned a lot from Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Stoke City. So fickle is football these days, that following three straight victories, there was heightened talk of a possible title push this season. One defeat later, and people start to question whether or not the players are good enough. At least this match should make one thing perfectly clear: Liverpool is not yet ready to be considered challengers for the Premiership, and they shouldn’t be judged as such.

This is after all, a club who were facing a very real possibility of administration less than a year ago. Add to that the team’s shocking performances under previous manager Roy Hodgson, and it was a club going in the wrong direction, fast.

That the squad Kenny Dalglish has assembled over the summer was even being talked about as possible contenders gives an indication of how far it has come. The work of Dalglish, Director of Football Damien Comolli, and of course the owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) this summer can not be understated. They identified problem positions in the team, and filled them with quality players. Many of the players signed conform with the new FIFA Fair Play Rules that are due to be enforced in the coming years. Others fit the FSG strategy, of young players with good resale value. It has also been reported that by clearing out virtually all of their “dead wood” (players of little use such as Phillip Degen, Christian Poulsen, Milan Jovanovic etc), they have lowered their wage bill by £30m. This is now a club with a long-term plan.

However, this plan is, as stated, a long-term one, and immediate success simply isn’t going to happen. Saturday was proof of that. This isn’t something that Liverpool fans will like to hear, but if that were Manchester United in that position on Saturday, you would fully expect them to grab an equalizer, and possibly go on to win the game. United have that ruthlessness that is required, and the ability to carve out a win when it looks unlikely. Liverpool, just like on the opening day of the season against Sunderland, failed to show these characteristics, and have lost valuable points because of it.

It’s no disgrace dropping points away to Stoke however. They have now lost only once at the Brittania in their last 15 games- it has become one of those venues that teams dread playing in. They have also played three games more due to their European commitments, and so is probably a touch fitter and sharper. Like I said, no disgrace, but that doesn’t excuse the performance on Saturday. Liverpool were poor. Simple as that. The fact is that once Stoke took the lead, Liverpool offered very little. Jordan Henderson had the best chance for Liverpool when put through by Jose Enrique, but he shot straight at Asmir Begovic, and then had two more shots blocked before Adam couldn’t find the net either from the rebound. The only other chance for Liverpool came then the ball broke to Suarez in the last few seconds but his instinctive swing at the ball sent it wide. They had a decent shout for a penalty turned away, but all in all, they didn’t play well enough.

It is easy to criticize Stoke, as they were happy sit on their lead and show virtually no ambition in attack. Who can blame them? They are playing a team that they are expected to lose to and have found themselves a goal up. They have every right to shut up shop in that situation. Charlie Adam had an off-day, and because of that, Liverpool’s passing game suffered. He was clearly still feeling the effects of the knock that kept him out of Scotland’s victory over Lithuania, and his ball retention was lacking. The Reds were also evidently missing the presence of an out-and-out right-back, as Martin Skrtel filled in there, offering little in the form of attacking support. Few good moves took place down the right-hand side. Other problems for Liverpool were that their passing lacked accuracy and conviction, and they didn’t get enough men in the box.

Criticism of many Liverpool players, a lot of it from there own fans, is premature. Jamie Carragher is the focus of many people’s attention, having given away the penalty, and there have been calls for him to be dropped. Carragher should not, and will not be dropped. He is still a very good defender and a defensive organizer. Without him in the side, the defence would be significantly weaker, as he is the one who calls the shots in the backline. He is also a leader. Arsenal has been the perfect example of a team without enough leaders, and Liverpool doesn’t want to make that mistake unnecessarily. Henderson has also come in for some stick. He was very good against Bolton, as were the rest of the team, and he was poor on Saturday, as were the rest of the team. To he is not good enough already is being very short-sighted. He has just turned 21 years old, has a full season of Premiership football to his name, and is an England international. Give him time, and he will develop into a top class footballer.

This is a team with several new faces. The likes of Henderson, Stewart Downing, Jose Enrique and Charlie Adam have only just started playing for the club and need more time to get accustomed to how Dalglish wants them to play. All four will play key roles for Liverpool this season, and I am sure all of them will be successes. Top four will be the priority this season, and the squad is capable of getting there. After they got top four, and only after that will a title challenge become a realistic target. All they need is patience.

Mark Lawrenson: Liverpool FC Must Get A Result At Tottenham

Liverpool FC will be disappointed but not downhearted after their defeat at Stoke City.

The manner of the loss was a world apart from the miserable way in which they went down at the Britannia Stadium last season.

Kenny Dalglish has got a gripe about the decisions of referee Mark Clattenburg. I think Stoke’s penalty was soft but, let’s be honest, Suarez would have tried for that spot-kick.

That said, Liverpool deserved at least one penalty for handball, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.

I’d be more pleased playing-wise, as Dalglish’s men looked good. And don’t forget, Stoke is a difficult place to go and get something these days.

It was the first of a run of four Premier League games which last season Liverpool lost, and the outcome this time around will go a long way to telling us how far the team have progressed.

They go to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and while Spurs put you under pressure they do give the opposition time to play and I’d expect Liverpool to gain some reward.

If Liverpool have serious ambitions of a top-four finish then they have to go to White Hart Lane and look like a team capable of winning.

The game should see the return of Steven Gerrard. And, if fully fit, I think the skipper will go straight back into the team. There’s little point leaving him on the bench, as he’s such a good player and gets a positive reaction from those around him.

I can’t see the experiment of playing Martin Skrtel at right-back lasting too long. I understand why Dalglish played him there against Stoke because of his height.

But he’s not a full-back – remember Middlesbrough a few years back? – and one of Martin Kelly, Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan will be the better long-term bet.

Liverpool Possesses Three Near-Term Options At Right Fullback To Replace Glen Johnson

Glen Johnson's injury will give manager Kenny Dalglish further concern about the right back position. It is fast becoming a problem area for the Liverpool defense. Here is a look at some of his right-back options in the near term.

Martin Kelly

The promising Kelly started the season as the first choice right back, and his performances have caught the attention of England manager Fabio Capello. After a bright start to his time in the LFC first team, his 2010-11 season ended prematurely after he tore his hamstring in February. He suffered a hamstring strain in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Bolton. He should return soon, as club doctors said the latest strain was a slight one and would keep him out for two weeks. Kelly has returned to training and is in contention for Sunday's game at Tottenham.

Martin Skrtel

Skrtel, a central defender by trade, was Kelly's substitute against Bolton and performed well enough to earn the start against Stoke. He was defensively sound against Stoke, but did not add much to the LFC attack when he pushed into the final third. It would not be a shock to see him in the starting lineup against Tottenham.

John Flanagan

With league and cup games on the schedule in the coming weeks, 18 year-old John Flanagan should see more first-team action. He is still learning his trade, but has eight games of EPL experience on which he can build. Expect to see him play in LFC's next Carling cup game on Sept. 21.

Alan Shearer Backs Dalglish To Bring Best Out Of Carroll

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been backed to bring the best out of England striker Andy Carroll by Newcastle United goal-scoring legend Alan Shearer.

Dalglish has already leapt to the defence of his £35 million striker after his lifestyle was criticized by England head coach Fabio Capello and Shearer has insisted that his fellow Geordie is in good hands with the Anfield boss.

Shearer, who played under Dalglish in the title-winning Blackburn Rovers side in the mid-90s and managed Carroll for a brief spell as Newcastle United boss, believes his former player is in the best possible hands on Merseyside.

“If there is one guy that will get the best out of Andy Carroll it will be Kenny Dalglish and I know that from my own personal experience when I worked under him at Blackburn,” Shearer told Goal.com.

“Whether you are scoring goals for fun or whether you are having a tough time in front of goal Kenny will not change. Kenny will be able to pass on all the experience and know-how that he has gained as a player and as a manager. He will be a great help to Andy.”

Shearer – who will play for Kevin Keegan's Entertainers against Roy Evans' Liverpool old boys at Kingston Park, Newcastle on Sunday, October 9 in a charity game – is confident the 22-year-old Carroll will overcome a sluggish start to the season to win over Liverpool fans.

The former England and Newcastle skipper, who was idolized by Carroll as he came through the ranks at St James’ Park, backed the 6ft 3in targetman to come good amid veiled criticism from Capello.

The Italian said the centre forward had to “be careful” off the field and had to “drink less” than other footballers and called into question his attitude to training while with England.

“Andy is at a great football club and he is working under a great manager in Kenny Dalglish,” Shearer added. “He hasn’t had the best of starts to this season for whatever reason but ability-wise he will never lose what he has got and I sure he will come good again.

“I used to sit and listen to guys give me advice, particularly through the media, so I would hate for him to think that I would be sat here publicly giving him advice so I won’t start now.

“But what I can say is that confidence in football is the biggest thing and once he gets up and running then he will be fine. I have no doubt about that.

“First he must fight to regain his first-team place and then start playing on a regular basis to get back his sharpness and match fitness and it is then that Liverpool will see the best of him.”

Raul Meireles Angry Over Liverpool Broken Promises

Chelsea summer signing Raul Meireles has cast light on his transfer from Liverpool on deadline day.

“All I have to say is that I had one promise at Liverpool which wasn’t fulfilled,” said Meireles in the Chelsea press conference prior to their UEFA Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.

“It’s not the only thing to blame. But that’s why the Liverpool fans are unsure why I left.”

“I was aware that Liverpool wanted to sell me in the summer, which was a bit surprising to me,” said Meireles, who was reluctant to discuss his relationship with Reds boss Kenny Dalglish.

“There’s no point touching this subject any more.

“I was a bit surprised, but now I’m just concentrating on my present and future, and that’s with Chelsea.”

Even so, Meireles was pleased to have been offered a further chance to impress in England with Stamford Bridge.

“When Chelsea showed interest, it was like a golden opportunity,” he said.

“I’m here now, it’s a new adventure, and I want to do well here.”

Liverpool Had Little Choice But To Sell Meireles - Comolli

Director of football Damien Comolli has insists Liverpool did not want to sell Raul Meireles but had little choice after he handed in a transfer request and told the club he wanted to leave.

Meireles joined Chelsea in the final minutes of the transfer deadline day last month in a reported £12million move, a switch that angered many Reds supporters.

The 28-year-old Portugal international last week insisted he never wanted to leave Liverpool but admitted he jumped at the chance to go to Stamford Bridge when it became clear he would be sold.

Meireles has accused Liverpool of a broken promise and claimed he was forced to submit a transfer request once they had decided to sell him to Chelsea.

Putting across Liverpool's side, Comolli said on the club's official website in response to questions sent in by supporters: "I think Raul said it himself with what I've seen recently in the press. Basically, he came to see me and said 'I want to leave, I want to play for another club'.

"Our intention was not to sell him but we were put in a corner a little bit when he put in a transfer request and said he wanted to go and that he didn't want to play for Liverpool anymore.

"I think the owners and Kenny (Dalglish) have said it, and we all have the same view. When someone doesn't want to be here it's difficult to say 'you are going to stay'.

"We've been through that process in January with Fernando Torres and this felt like the same situation. We've done it, we think it was the right thing to do for the club, because it's very, very difficult to have somebody here who doesn't want to be here.

"The job of the manager in the Premier League is already difficult having to manage 25 players and only having 11 to start on a match day, so you have to deal with all the others.

"On top of that if you have someone who is adamant they don't want to be here and wants to play for someone else, we took the view it's better if he goes and we get the best possible deal for the club. In the end I think we did well."

Meireles was not the only player to leave Anfield this summer, with Alberto Aquilani returning to Italy after agreeing a loan move with AC Milan for the rest of the campaign, while Joe Cole moved on a season-long loan to Lille.

Asked why Aquilani was allowed to go after impressing in pre-season, Comolli said: "With him it was more a question of opportunities to play. He's obviously a big player, he's got a very good resume and he's a very good player. But Kenny and the coaching staff felt he would play in a certain position.

"As I told Alberto during the summer, unfortunately in that position is someone called Steven Gerrard and it would have been difficult for Alberto to play."

Comolli also dismissed reports that Liverpool now have first refusal on highly-rated Lille star Eden Hazard as part of the Cole deal.

Liverpool's Striker Target Confirms Future

Benfica forward Oscar Cardozo is set to pen a deal keeping him the club until at least 2016.

The Paraguayan's current deal will keep him at the club until 2014, how an offer of a two-year extension is expected to warn off interest in the striker.

Liverpool had reportedly been interested in the 28-year-old, however the player's agent Pedro Aldave says he is currently negotiating the extension.

"The kid is happy in Benfica and it will be normal to stay there, but it is necessary to settle more details," Aldave said.

The fee demanded for the player is reported to be in the region of €60 million, however given that Liverpool have spent over £100 million since the appointment of Kenny Dalglish, the club could be tempted to make a move.

However, the signing of Craig Bellamy on deadline day in the transfer window negates their need for the striker, but if Luis Suarez's reported transfer to Real Madrid ever came to fruition, then Liverpool may be forced into a move.

Babel Blasts Liverpool Training Regime

Liverpool flop Ryan Babel has blamed the Anfield club’s training regime for his poor form in England.

The Dutch forward arrived on Merseyside in 2007 with a growing reputation and a hefty £12m price tag.

But the 24-year-old scored just 12 goals in his four years at Liverpool and was sold to Hoffenheim in January.

The forward has enjoyed a stellar start to his new season in the Bundesliga and puts it down to better training at his new club.

“I think I've had really benefited from the move to the Bundesliga,” he told Dutch paper De Telegraaf.

"We do more preparation work at Hoffenheim than I ever saw in England and we do longer training sessions. I’ve never felt so fit. "

"You need competition to get fit. I often sat on the bench and the schedule in England, with a game every three days, meant the training was only there to maintain us.”

The Anfield Way

Dean Saunders may have scored goals wherever he's been, but his heart - and footballing philosophy - will always belong to Liverpool.

The former Welsh international told Goals on Sunday that it was always his dream to follow in his father's footsteps and play at Anfield.

He did just that when the club paid a then-British record £2.9million to Derby County for him in 1988 and he still singles that out as the highlight of a glittering career that also brought international recognition.

"My dad played for Liverpool and had a bin-liner full of cuttings, so I was brought up on it," he said.

"He played in the same team as Billy Liddell and Bob Paisley so I was always brought up with Liverpool. I got a free transfer when I was 18 and went to Brighton.

"Then I went from Brighton to Oxford, Oxford to Derby, in a short period of time and then I managed to find myself with Liverpool wanting to sign me - I couldn't believe it.

"I made my mind up; they had Peter Beardsley, Ian Rush, Jan Mjolby, all the best players and I thought if I could play in that team it would be unbelievable. It's a brilliant club."

Saunders' time at Anfield came after Liverpool had dominated the First Division for almost a decade.

But he did mark his first full season with a medal as part of the side that beat Sunderland 2-0 to lift the FA Cup in 1992 - and still regards that as the highlight of his career.

"We managed to win the FA Cup at Wembley and I remember walking down the steps at Wembley - I'd only ever watched the cup final on TV - and I thought I had a free transfer not so long ago and now I've got an FA Cup winner's medal!" he said.

"It's the best thing I ever won to this day - because it's the first thing I won."

He is now managing Conference outfit Wrexham and although he admits he it took him some time to "get my head round the league", he is trying to pass on the Boot Room philosophy to his players.

And it appears to be working because they are currently top of the table.

"What I tell my players now, it's all about what I learned at Liverpool really," he said.

"Working with John Toshack, Graeme Souness, Roy Evans and my dad played for Liverpool for 12 years, so everything I try and put over to the players all stems from simple beliefs they had at Liverpool."

Carragher Urges Reds Fans To Forget Stoke Defeat

Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool to banish the memory of their 1-0 defeat at Stoke City when they travel to Tottenham next Sunday.

The Reds’ unbeaten start to the season was ended in controversial fashion at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Referee Mark Clattenburg awarded Stoke a dubious penalty when Carragher was harshly adjudged to have brought down Jon Walters.

Walters picked himself up to score the only goal of the game and Clattenburg rejected two vociferous appeals from the Reds for a spot-kick of their own.

Rory Delap and Matthew Upson both got away with handling in the box and Kenny Dalglish’s side also paid the price for missing some great chances.

“We have to be disappointed with the penalty decisions,” Carragher said.

“We had one go against us and a couple not go for us so we feel a bit aggrieved.

“We performed quite well and when you do that you normally get three points.

"I thought we reacted really well to going behind and deserved something from the game.

“Hopefully if we play like that against Tottenham next weekend we’ll get something.

"We have to ensure we bounce back.”

Stoke rode their luck but Carragher was full of praise for the way the Potters survived a second-half onslaught from the Reds.

“Their keeper and their back four did really well – you have to admire the way they defended,” he added.

“They’ve been like that for a long time, especially at home.

"We can be quite pleased with how we performed but we came away with nothing. It was Stoke’s day.”

Gerrard: Suarez Will Become Legend

Steven Gerrard expects striker Luis Suarez to establish himself as one of Liverpool's all-time greats over the next few years.

Suarez made an immediate impact following a £22.7 million move from Ajax in January, ensuring Liverpool did not suffer following the sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea.

The Uruguay international, who was voted Player of the Tournament at this year's Copa America, has scored six goals in 15 Premier League starts for the Reds - and Gerrard believes he has a big part to play as Kenny Dalglish's side push for a top-four spot.

Asked whether Suarez could become an Anfield legend, Gerrard told the club's official website: "I don't see why not. He's still young enough and I'm sure he's going to get even better than he is now, which is a scary thought.

"He's got the appetite for the game to learn and get better. Hopefully he will go on here for a long time because he's certainly got a massive part to play at this club in the future - the history is there to be written.

"He's a very enthusiastic footballer and very intelligent. He's like a kid in the street and he can't wait to get out for training and games. Alongside Dirk (Kuyt) of late, they've been like two Duracell bunnies. They just don't stop and for defenders that must be a nightmare, knowing when you control the ball those two will be chasing.

"It's fantastic to have him and hopefully he can continue his form until the end of the season. If he does, it will give us a much better chance of getting some silverware."

Carragher Anticipates First-Team Fight

Liverpool veteran Jamie Carragher admits he’s in a battle to keep his first team place at Anfield.

The 33-year-old’s error against Bolton cost the Reds a clean-sheet in a 3-1 win against Owen Coyle’s side, and the defender was again at fault when he was adjudged to have fouled Jonathan Walters on Saturday, with the Stoke striker converting the subsequent penalty in a 1-0 win for the Potters.

Sebastian Coates’ arrival from Nacional has added further competition for a starting spot in the centre back position on Merseyside, and Carragher knows he can’t rest on his laurels expecting to start every game.

"Young players at the club say, 'I have to be like Carra in training' because they can see that I put in a shift in every session," he told The Times.

"But why should I rest on my laurels just because I have been in the top flight for so long?

"I am always looking to up my game because I feel that I still have something to prove. Even today some Liverpool fans are asking questions about my age and how long I will last.

"The club has just signed a new centre-back who will be knocking at the door. There is no room for complacency."

Liverpool Defender Linked With Leeds Loan Move

Liverpool centre-back Danny Wilson could soon find himself gaining some much needed first team experience with Leeds United after the Championship side were linked with a loan move for the Scottish international.

The former Rangers defender has struggled to make an impact at Liverpool since moving to Anfield last summer and has found his first team opportunities severely limited.

Liverpool has recently signed young Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates and with the likes of Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel all ahead of him in the pecking order, Wilson has struggled to make an impression.

Wilson did make one appearance in the Carling Cup tie against Exeter City, but it is likely that he would jump at the chance to play regular first team football.

With the transfer window having closed a loan deal is the only option for the Scotland defender and with Leeds currently struggling in the Championship, they would jump at the chance to land the talented defender.

The 19-year-old has made just two league appearances for Liverpool since moving to Merseyside for £2million, possibly rising to £5m with appearances, from Rangers and has struggled to force his way into match day squads.

Leeds currently lie in 13th place after a disappointing start to the season in which they have won just two games from their opening six fixtures and have conceded 11 goals.

Johnson Suffers Setback

Glen Johnson has revealed that he could be facing an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering another hamstring injury.

The England full-back made his first appearance of the season at Stoke on Saturday, coming on as a late substitute in the 1-0 defeat at the Britannia Stadium.

Johnson had been sidelined since picking up a hamstring problem during pre-season and this latest setback will bring more frustration for the 27-year-old, as he looks to establish himself as Kenny Dalglish's first-choice right-back.

The former Portsmouth man revealed on Twitter: "Can't believe my luck at the mo. Done my hammy again today! Hopefully be back soon!"

The news will come as another blow for the manager, although Dalglish could welcome back Martin Kelly for the clash with Tottenham, after he returned to training towards the end of last week.

Suarez Salutes Defender Coates

Striker Luis Suarez believes compatriot Sebastian Coates has all the ability to become a hit with Liverpool this season.

The Uruguayan, voted young player of the Copa America which his country won, joined the Anfield giants in the summer transfer window along with Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Jose Enrique and Craig Bellamy.

Suarez claims the 6ft 6ins defender, who moved from Nacional late last month, will add more quality to manager Kenny Dalglish's squad as they look to try and break into the Premier League top four.

The 20-year-old was an unused substitute against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday as the Reds suffered their first defeat of the new campaign, but Suarez is confident Coates will develop into an even better player at the club.

"The things I told him were stuff about behind the scenes at the club - he already knew about everything else," said Suarez.

"Liverpool is one of the biggest and best clubs in Europe, and he knows that well enough himself.

"He is coming to a team where he can really develop as an individual.

"He is still very young and has a lot to learn, but there are some highly-experienced players here who can help him a lot with that.

"He is aware of that and he is happy to learn and help the team as much as he can."

Celebs Aim To Raise HFSG Funds

A team of celebrities will aim to raise money for the Hillsborough Family Support Group next month when they take on a Swansea City legends team in Port Talbot.

Boxers Enzo Maccarinelli and Joe Calzaghe are just some of the high-profile names who have confirmed their participation in the match, which will take place on October 9 at Afan Lido FC.

A charity auction will be held after the game with items donated by a whole host of celebrities, sportsmen and ex-footballers. All money will go towards the HFSG.

Maccarinelli said: "The Hillsborough disaster was tragic and something I can vividly remember watching on the news.

"I think the Hillsborough Family Support Group do excellent work helping the people whose lives have been affected by such a terrible incident.

"Being a family man I can only begin to imagine what the families must have been through and still are going through to this day.

"Hopefully we can raise some money to donate to the HFSG and go someway towards helping the families."

Event organiser Craig Bowles added: "I would like to thank everybody for their support so far, including the HFSG, Liverpool FC and Afan Lido FC.

"The families are a real inspiration to us all and I hope people will support this event and help raise money for them."

Match Report: Stoke 1 - 0 Liverpool

Liverpool stumbled over a familiar hurdle at the Britannia Stadium as they slipped to their first defeat of the season.

In four visits to Stoke since the Potters earned promotion to the Barclays Premier League, the Reds have collected just two points and lost their last two matches.

Not since 1968 have Stoke recorded back-to-back home league wins over Liverpool and the result brought a side brimming with confidence before the international break back down to earth with a hefty bump.

Jon Walters scored the only goal from a 20th-minute penalty after being fouled by Jamie Carragher.

From that point nearly all the possession and chances were created by the visitors, but the resilient hosts ground out the win despite a frantic final half-hour.

When you come to Stoke you have to be prepared to compete and while Liverpool were able to do that it was at the expense of any passing game as they were sucked into the direct style of their opponents.

The Potters are a threat from set-pieces but deadline-day signing Peter Crouch, making a debut against his former club, weakly headed wide one free-kick.

At the other end Luis Suarez, from close range, somehow failed to connect with Charlie Adam's inswinging corner to the far post.

Martin Skrtel, pushed into service at right-back, nipped in front of Ryan Shawcross to prevent the Stoke captain getting his head to Matt Etherington's free-kick as the hosts generated the early pressure.

But the opening goal, when it came, was from a simple ball over the top which caught Carragher out of position.

The Reds centre-back looked to have made good ground to get around Walters but when the Stoke forward went down with Carragher's arm around his waist referee Mark Halsey pointed to the spot and the player picked himself up to drill a shot straight down the middle of the goal.

Stoke were blocking most avenues open to Suarez - as displayed by a sprawling Shawcross who smothered one near-post shot - with two defenders on occasions but the Uruguayan still found ways of getting past.

He easily turned Robert Huth on the left and crossed to the far side of penalty area where an onrushing Skrtel appeared to be clipped by Etherington just before he blazed a shot over.

After a relatively quiet start to the second half, the match exploded into action just past the hour as Liverpool had five shots in the space of 20 seconds but still could not find a way through.

Jose Enrique's through-ball sent Jordan Henderson racing clear through the middle but he side-footed his first shot straight at Asmir Begovic, the goalkeeper made a good save from the follow-up and Matthew Upson's chest blocked the third.

However, the danger was not over as the loose ball dropped to Adam's dangerous left foot but Shawcross blocked his first effort from the edge of the penalty area and Begovic got back to stop the rebound.

The introduction of Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll for Henderson and Dirk Kuyt ramped up the pressure on the hosts in the final 20 minutes.

But Stoke manned the barricades and with Liverpool seemingly intent on going through the middle more often than not they made it easier for their opponents to crowd them out.

Stoke were being forced back and it was midfielder Dean Whitehead who put in the crunching block tackle inside his own penalty area which denied Suarez yet again.

It is not in the Uruguay international's nature to give up and he kept plugging away, seeing his shot across goal tipped wide by Begovic.

Stewart Downing cut inside from the right to blaze over, Carroll had a claim for a penalty when his shot appeared to hit the arm of Whitehead while Bellamy headed Downing's cross wide.

Suarez was convinced he should have had a spot-kick when his cross hit Upson's arm but neither referee Mark Clattenburg nor his assistant spotted the offence.

The striker had his chance to put that wrong right in the fourth minute of added time when Begovic and Shawcross got in each other's way but he stabbed wide with the goal gaping.

Stoke were hanging on at the end - something they are well equipped and well-enough drilled to do - and they blunted everything Liverpool threw at them.

Kenny Dalglish Ponders Referee Action

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says he will consult the club's owners over how to deal with what he perceives to be poor refereeing so far this season.

The Reds boss was unhappy with a number of decisions during his side's 1-0 defeat at Stoke on Saturday.

And afterwards he said: "The first four games have had contentious decisions in them and every one has gone against us.

"We would like to be respectful to referees but more important is having respect for my football club."

He added: "If I feel the club is suffering in any shape or form I will need to go the same route other people go and see if we can gain some benefit from that.

"The first four league games have had contentious decisions in them and every one has gone against us.

"I'll speak to the owners first and see what they say because the last thing I want to do is for my behaviour to impinge on the club's success in any way."

Dalglish insisted he did not have a problem with Stoke's approach in the match at the Britannia Stadium, but admitted his frustration that Liverpool got nothing out of the game.

He also did not believe Jamie Carragher had fouled Jon Walters for the winning penalty.

"I think it is a bit of an understatement to say we deserved something from the game," added the Scot.

"We can only do what we can do ourselves, sometimes other things are taken outside your jurisdiction.

"If we continually get battered by things outside of our control we are not going to get much chance.

"We don't have any complaint about Stoke; they played hard and played well, they got the goal and defended courageously at times and maybe at times they got a bit of luck.

"But I just cannot see how [Stoke's winner] is a penalty kick."

Tony Pulis Hails Luis Suarez

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has expressed his satisfaction at stopping Liverpool from playing after his side beat the Reds 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium.

The win came courtesy of a contentious penalty after Jamie Carragher was deemed to have illegally brought down Jonathan Walters, incurring the wrath of Kenny Dalglish after the game, with the Scot displeased that his side had seen several appeals fall on deaf ears.

"Kenny [Dalglish] will be as biased as I am. If you're at Stoke City that will always be the case," Pulis said.

"I'll respect his opinion, whether they were [penalties] or not I don't know, but I'll have a look later on.

"I thought we were pretty poor in possession of the ball at times and we are better than that, but we were really top drawer off the ball.

"We worked very, very hard. We stopped them from playing."

The Welsh boss had plenty of praise for Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, who endured a frustrating spell in front of goal but threatened the backline throughout the match.

"I thought [Luis] Suarez up front was absolutely fantastic. He looks a real, real player. A player that will grace the Premier League. His movement and touch at times was different class," Pulis said.

Pulis – who spent over £20 million on deadline day by signing Peter Crouch, Wilson Palacios and Cameron Jerome – admitted that the club must endeavour to improve.

"We need to keep that, we need to get better technically and improve the side, especially from a passing point of view," he said.

"But we still need that spirit and commitment."

The win extended Stoke's unbeaten start to the season to eight games, and the manager admitted he was delighted to have got off to such a strong opening to the campaign, and the Welsh boss admitted he was relieved and proud that his side got through a tough beginning to the Premier League.

Gerrard Targets Derby Return

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard hopes to return to action in time for the Merseyside derby but admits he will have to fight for his place.

The veteran midfielder has been sidelined for over six months with a groin injury, a problem that was complicated when he suffered an infection.

However, Gerrard has now returned to full training and the Merseyside derby at Everton in three weeks' time has been set as his possible return date.

Boss Kenny Dalglish secured the likes of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson during the summer transfer window and the Reds have made a strong start to the new campaign, despite Saturday's loss at Stoke.

Gerrard is well aware he will have to battle to win his place back in the side but he feels Liverpool look stronger this season and has welcomed the competition for places.

"We're looking stronger," said Gerrard. "The competition in each position is fantastic. We've near enough got two top players in each position, so there is going to be a big fight on for places."