Stoke vs Liverpool - The best and the worst

Liverpool take on Stoke City tonight at the Bet365 stadium with Stoke trying to end a slump of only 1 win in their last 6. Whereas Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 6. 

Today I look back at the best game between the two sides, in recent seasons, from a Liverpool perspective but also the worst game. 

THE BEST

Stoke City 3-5 Liverpool (12 January 2014) 

Stoke City XI: 

Butland, Pieters, Shawcross, Cameron, Wilson, Adam, N'zonzi, Whelan, Walters, Arnautovic, Crouch.

Liverpool XI: Mignolet, Cissokho, Skrtel, Toure, Johnson, Coutinho, Gerrard, Henderson, Sterling, Suarez

In a season where Liverpool would finish 2nd it was all about goals for this side. They scored an incredible 101 goals in 38 league games. 

This was one of the most exciting Liverpool sides in a long time lead by Suarez and Sturridge most of the season. Liverpool ended this game in 4th position but it was the second game of their 15 game unbeaten run. 

The scoring was opened by a Ryan Shawcross own goal after a wild shot from Aly Cissokho was deflected in after the first five minutes. Suarez doubled the visitors lead after a defensive mix up with Shawcross and Wilson. Just before the 40th minute Crouch did what he does best and flicked a header in to make it 2-1.Before the break Charlie Adam equalised with a stunning shot outside of the box. 

Straight after the break Sterling was brought down by Shawcross and Gerrard converted the spot kick. The sixth goal of the game came after Sturridge dancing feet set up Suarez for his brace.

Walters clawed one back just 5 minutes from time to give the home side some hope, after the Irish forwards shot slid under Mignolet. Just two minutes later Sturridge ended the scoring after Butland's incredible save the forward juggled the ball before squeezing it in at an angle.Which meant Liverpool would be taking another 3 points back to Anfield with them.  

A performance that truly summed up that Liverpool side, so scintillating when going forward but very lack at the back. 

THE WORST

Stoke City 6-1 Liverpool (24, May 2015)

Stoke City XI: 

Begovic, Muniesa, Pieters, Shawcross, Cameron, Adam, N'zonzi, Whelan, Walters, Arnautovic, Diouf

Liverpool XI: 

Mignolet, Moreno, Sakho, Skrtel, Can, Lucas, Allen, Coutinho, Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana 

On Steven Gerrard's 710th and final game for Liverpool the reds were humiliated by Mark Hughes' side.

Liverpool started the game without a recognised right back and striker as Sterling was rejecting a contract ready for his move to Manchester City.

Liverpool had fallen to a 5-0 half time drubbing by the potters.It was the perfect storm for Stoke as Hughes made sure the game wouldn't be the 'Steven Gerrard show'.  

Their goals came from a Diouf (2) including a tap in after a Mignolet mistake. Walters after a Can mistake who was being played out of position at right back. Adam after a Lucas sloppy mistake and finally an N'zonzi curler into the top corner ended a miserable first half. 

The second half was slightly brighter after Gerrard rolled in his 186th and final goal for Liverpool. Crouch entered the fray in the second half and ended the scoring with a classic Crouch header.

After that win Stoke ended the season in 9th compared to Liverpool's 6th place earning the Merseyside club a place in the Europa League for the coming season. 

This game turned out to be the biggest ever Premier League defeat for Liverpool.

A game to forget for Gerrard and Liverpool.