Liverpool produced a gutsy second-half fightback as they got their push for Champions League qualification back on track with a crucial 2-1 win at Stoke City.

The introduction of Brazilian duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino after the break proved pivotal after Jonathan Walters had nodded the Potters ahead.

Liverpool struck twice in the space of 126 seconds as Coutinho drilled home the equaliser before Firmino's fierce dipping strike sealed a cherished three points in the race for the top four.

Simon Mignolet's contribution was just as important as the Reds keeper pulled off two stunning saves to ensure the Reds triumphed.

It was a heavily depleted Liverpool line up which took to the field with Coutinho and Firmino only deemed fit enough for bench duty and Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson all out injured.

There was a full Premier League debut for Ben Woodburn with fellow teenager Trent Alexander-Arnold also starting as Klopp went with a 3-5-1-1 formation.

The opening 45 minutes were dour as Liverpool failed to force a single save from Lee Grant.

There was an early let-off for the visitors when Xherdan Shaqiri's strike was ruled out for offside.

Stoke were forced into a change as Joe Allen limped off and was replaced by fellow former Reds midfielder Charlie Adam.

Marko Arnautovic was denied by Mignolet before volleying into the side netting after latching on to Dejan Lovren's misplaced clearance.

A game largely devoid of quality came to life just before the break.

Liverpool should have had a penalty when Erik Pieters slid in on Woodburn but Mike Dean wasn't interested.

Klopp was raging on the touchline and his mood darkened as seconds later Stoke broke the deadlock.

Nathaniel Clyne failed to track the run of Shaqiri, who burst away from Ragnar Klavan and crossed for the unmarked Walters to nod home.

Klopp brought on Coutinho and Firmino for the second half as Woodburn and Alexander-Arnold made way.

Liverpool were lucky not to fall further behind when Gini Wijnaldum's misplaced header from a corner put it on a plate for Adam, but from point blank range Mignolet did brilliantly to keep it out.

Belatedly, the Reds came to life with Firmino thwarted by Grant before Coutinho's low strike was clawed behind. Dejan Lovren then saw his header cannon against the bar.

Klopp made his final throw of the dice with Daniel Sturridge making his comeback in place of Origi.

With 20 minutes to go the Reds were level. Coutinho latched on to a poor clearance from substitute Glenn Whelan and hammered into the bottom corner.

Liverpool's afternoon soon got even better as Wijnaldum's lofted pass released Firmino, who unleashed a thumping first-time effort over Grant.

Saido Berahino looked destined to equalise from close range soon after but Mignolet pulled off a fine save as the Reds dug deep and held on.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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