Share

Suarez double sinks Stoke

Stoke - Luis Suarez hit a clinical double as Liverpool reached the League Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Stoke on Wednesday.

Kenny Dalglish's side trailed to a Kenwyne Jones goal just before half-time, but Suarez equalised with a fine strike soon after the break and the Uruguay striker underlined his growing reputation as one of the best finishers in Europe as he headed the winner in the closing minutes at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke were unbeaten at home this season, with Liverpool among their victims in the Premier League in September, and initially it looked as though that run would continue.

Jon Walters came close to giving the hosts an early lead with an audacious effort from wide on the left that dropped just over the bar.

At the other end Stoke backed off and allowed Andy Carroll a run and shot that was parried by Thomas Sorensen.

Danish goalkeeper Sorensen produced a smart save to deny Suarez after a neat move involving Lucas Leiva and Maxi Rodriguez, while Carroll failed to make the most of a free header.

Carroll wasted another good chance after 26 minutes when he shot straight at Sorensen from 15 yards with Stoke appealing in vain for offside.

The Potters thought they had opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Walters flicked in Rory Delap's long throw but referee Lee Probert felt Ryan Shawcross had impeded Reina and it was disallowed.

They had the ball in the net again nine minutes later, and this time it did count, although it was a goal Liverpool will feel should have been prevented.

Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates, making only his second start for the club, was robbed by Walters out on the right and the striker charged into the area before crossing for Jones to head into the far corner.

Nine minutes into the second half Liverpool drew level with a goal of real quality from Suarez, who was recently accused by Manchester United defender Patrice Evra of making racist comments during the teams' 1-1 draw.

After collecting the ball wide on the left, the Uruguayan nutmegged Ryan Shotton before curling a delightful shot into the far corner.

Dalglish made his first change in the 82nd minute, bringing on Craig Bellamy for Maxi, and the striker almost made an immediate impact, striking the post with a low effort from 20 yards.

But Liverpool were to get another chance as Jordan Henderson's 85th-minute cross picked out Suarez, who nodded home the winner.

Results Wednesday in English football (home teams listed first):

League Cup, Fourth Round
:

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2

Wolverhampton 2 Manchester City 5

Blackburn 4 Newcastle 3 (aet)

Everton 1, Chelsea 2 (aet)

League Championship:

Birmingham 1 Leeds 0

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE