PA PhotosLiverpool were left frustrated by a typically robust Stoke side at Anfield on Sunday

It finished 0-0 at Anfield, a well-deserved point for Stoke's defensive effort. Whilst it wasn't quite as backs to the wall as the first trip back to Liverpool, we were under a lot of pressure in the second half but can be proud of our performance amidst the backdrop of a moaning Kop and a diving Suarez.

We started the game very brightly, playing high up the pitch and saw plenty of the ball in the opening exchanges, but as the game wore on we naturally dropped deeper and deeper before the referee blew for full time to make it two clean sheets in as many games.

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As ever, there is plenty to talk about:

Team Selection/Tactics - As predicted, it was an unchanged side from last week's win and having played the same team for a few games now the players are starting to look more and more at ease with each other. In fact, such was their comfort they gave the ball away far too much in the middle third and were lucky not to be punished.

Marc Wilson - I've singled out Wilson for criticism before, when warranted, so it's only fair I praise him too. He did really well against Stirling today, using his strength and know how to keep the young winger where he wanted him. Marc needs to build on this performance and start to bring some consistency into his game as, when he plays as well as he did today, we don't look like we need a new left-back half as much.

Wingers - We looked a bit languid up top and the wide men struggled to get into the game. Walters was largely on the back foot as you'd perhaps expect, but the more attacking Kightly didn't get going at all, posting the worst passing accuracy of anyone (38%), in fact, he only made THREE successful passes all afternoon. To put that into context, Whelan made three times as many before going off early on. I know Kightly is doing a job over on the left so can forgive him to a certain degree, but playing so much better on the right last week, coupled with Matty's recent impact points to something having to give in the next few weeks.

Midfield - Things were pretty much as they have been for the last few games and whilst N'Zonzi wasn't his excellent self, he was still the stand out performer in the middle. As far as Adam goes, his stats looked better this week but his influence on the game was negligible. He really does look like he is struggling behind Crouch and you can't help but feel he would do so much better picking up the ball from deep to start the moves off. There was one point at the end of the first half when he found himself on the edge of Stoke's area and pinged a 60-yard pass into Crouch's path, leading to all sorts of unease in the Liverpool back line. This is where he should be playing. I know Pulis wants his trusty left foot around the box to try and get some more goals but he can still get himself there from deep, in fact, he is more likely to be successful as there will be bodies around him whereas at the moment he is isolated and without pace.

Crouch - I've come to the conclusion that Crouch is a much better fit in this system, but away from home we're seeing the same problem we did last season, finding himself increasingly isolated as the game goes on with little pace to make chances for himself. I'm not sure we'll see Jones come in for away games (though I think he should at least be considered) but I think the manager should be looking to bring him in for the last twenty minutes or so as the side drops deeper and deeper.

All in all, a good point to take us into the international break and I, like many other Stokies, will be hoping to see Stoke's captain Ryan Shawcross pull on the Three Lions of England on Friday night. Hopefully his partner in crime Huth can escape a retrospective ban for his 'stamp' on Suarez. If he is pulled before the FA, I just hope he picks up Suarez on his way and drags him in to be taken to task for his shameful and embarrassing play acting. It would be nice if that happened but sadly this kind of disgraceful conduct doesn't seem to be too high on the agenda of those with a responsibility to stop it.

Vis Unita Fortior

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