News News Blog: Stoke City

Man Utd 3 - Stoke 0: Lingard, Martial and Rooney strike to ease pressure on Van Gaal

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THE shackles are off and Manchester United are playing with freedom, pace and style again. </h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring United's third goal of the afternoon</td></tr>
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After sweeping aside Derby with three goals in the FA Cup on Friday, they wrecked old boy Mark Hughes’ 100th Premier League game in charge of Stoke by scoring three more last night.</div>
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Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial ended United’s embarrassing home first half duck that stretched by back 11 games with first half goals.</div>
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And Wayne Rooney sealed it with the third early in the second half – his seventh goal in seven games in 2016.</div>
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Booed off in their last home game, Untied made emphatic amends with their first three-goal home performance since September 26. And it came asa huge relief for under-fire boss Louis Van Gaal who has been criticised for United’s tedious play in most of their home matches this season.</div>
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The last two goals, in particular, came as a result of superb passing moves and were a refreshing throwback to United’s attacking traditions – fitting on the night they remembered the Busby Babes who died in the Munich disaster.</div>
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Before kick-off tribute was paid to the 23 players, club officials and press men who died on February 6, 1958.</div>
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For Stoke it was a familiar sorry Old Trafford story. They have lost on their last 13 visits to the stadium stretching back to 1982 and it was another big setback after exits from the two domestic cup competitions in their previous two games.</div>
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Their hopes of completing their first League double over United since 1952-53 season never stood a chance with United in this mood and the Potters were just grateful not to suffer a heavier beating.</div>
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United were clearly determined to make amends for their dismal performance in their previous home game against Southampton when they and their manager were booed off at the end of the 1-0 defeat.</div>
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Van Gaal admitted in the programme notes that the display “made uncomfortable viewing” but the fans could have few complaints about their team’s upbeat first half.</div>
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They continued the pace and positivity they had shown at Derby on Friday and broke their first-half home duck in some style with two goals in the first 23 minutes. Lingard headed the first after 14 minutes, stooping to convert Cameron BorthwickJackson’s superb low cross from the left flank.</div>
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They scored again nine minutes later with a box-to-box move involving five players.</div>
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Michael Carrick, back in the side after a four-game absence, started it with a ball out to Matteo Darmian, whose pass sent Juan Mata down the right. He fed Rooney, who picked out Martial and the France youngster produced a quality finish. He took a touch before bending his shot into the top corner.</div>
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Martial was giving Stoke a torrid time. Every time he got the ball you could sense the nervousness in the Stoke defence.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse Lingard gave Man United the lead</td></tr>
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The youngster cut in from the left and shot into the side netting then saw his 25-yard drive kept out by Jack Butland, who was clearly in for a busy night.</div>
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It was not all United, though, with Stoke giving them one or two anxious moments. United maintained their attacking momentum with Mata heading a good chance wide from Darmian’s cross and they went in at the break well worth their two-goal lead.</div>
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United took only eight minutes of the second half to add a third goal and it followed another superb passing move. Daley Blind’s incisive ball forward picked out Mata, who was clearly relishing playing in his favoured No 10 role.</div>
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He played it out wide to danger man Martial and his low cross to the far post left Rooney with an easy tap-in. United were turning on the style for the first time at home in months.</div>
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Bardsley angered the crowd when he hacked down Martial but to be fair it was the only way Stoke were going to stop him.</div>
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<strong>Man Utd</strong> (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson; Carrick, Fellaini; Lingard, Mata, Martial; Rooney. Goals: Lingard 14, Martial 23. NEXT UP: Chelsea PL (a) Sunday.</div>
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<strong>Stoke</strong> (4-2-3-1): Butland; Johnson, Wollscheid (Bardsley 30), Muniesa, Pieters; Whelan, Afellay; Walters, Bojan, Arnautovic; Crouch. NEXT UP: Everton PL (h) – Saturday.</div>
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Referee: R. East (Wiltshire).</div>

Man Utd 3 - Stoke 0: Lingard, Martial and Rooney strike to ease pressure on Van Gaal

THE shackles are off and Manchester United are playing with freedom, pace and style again. Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring Un...

Crystal Palace 1 - Stoke 0: Wilfried Zaha fires Palace past the Potters into round five

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WILFRIED ZAHA, dubbed the vainest man in football because of having his hair cut daily, made short, back and sides of Stoke. </h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilfried Zaha scoring the only goal as Palace condemned Stoke to second cup exit this week</td></tr>
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The winger scored the decider in the 19th minute when he latched onto a pass from Yohan Cabaye to rifle home just when Stoke seemed to have the upper hand.</div>
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Palace manager Alan Pardew said: "This side is certainly better than when I got there with West Ham 10 years ago and we also have players like Wilf Zaha.</div>
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Palace started with Fraizer Campbell as main striker, with new arrival Emmanuel Adebayor not even making the subs bench.</div>
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The home side found it hard to get the ball away in the opening skirmishes, with Stephen Ireland orchestrating most of Stoke's moves.</div><script async src="//
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However, this was Stoke's second cup defeat in a week and you wonder if they paid the price for not taking the game seriously enough, with manager Mark Hughes dropping several regulars to the bench.</div>
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In contrast, Palace sent out a full-strength side with enough experience to combat Stoke's aggression and breaking with menace.</div>
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Stoke might not have fielded their strongest side, but they were not short on strong-arm tactics, with Marc Wilson booked for a ferocious 30th-minute tackle on Campbell that had Pardew gesticulating in anger.</div>
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A few others were X-rated and led to many protests from Palace players to referee Mark Clattenburg.</div>
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"The referee got several decisions wrong but I won't criticise him because it was a hard-fought match," said Pardew.</div>
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Hughes said: "We did well and went for it but at the same time played in Palace's hands because they are good on the counter attack, particularly Zaha."</div>
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Crystal Palace 1 - Stoke 0: Wilfried Zaha fires Palace past the Potters into round five

WILFRIED ZAHA, dubbed the vainest man in football because of having his hair cut daily, made short, back and sides of Stoke. Wil...

Liverpool 6 - Stoke 5 (pens): Mignolet and Allen the shoot-out heroes as Reds go through

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JURGEN KLOPP could not look and, on this occasion, he could not even blame a pair of broken glasses. </h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYBbYuVkgxoztKtXdndAqLsiOVnaKKbiEjiE6yMykNzpJ6hMxREw0IEpS6UBxeP7EYLbDdiYD9PAHMSxCn0q1j9jW5Uk31kJXZRhgZlgZq92vuiuONtBrZsLFoQgS57SrwOCY1W80irs6/s1600/Liverpool+6+-+Stoke+5+%2528pens%2529-+Mignolet+and+Allen+the+shoot-out+heroes+as+Reds+go+through.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Liverpool 6 - Stoke 5 (pens): Mignolet and Allen the shoot-out heroes as Reds go through" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYBbYuVkgxoztKtXdndAqLsiOVnaKKbiEjiE6yMykNzpJ6hMxREw0IEpS6UBxeP7EYLbDdiYD9PAHMSxCn0q1j9jW5Uk31kJXZRhgZlgZq92vuiuONtBrZsLFoQgS57SrwOCY1W80irs6/s640/Liverpool+6+-+Stoke+5+%2528pens%2529-+Mignolet+and+Allen+the+shoot-out+heroes+as+Reds+go+through.jpg" title="Liverpool 6 - Stoke 5 (pens): Mignolet and Allen the shoot-out heroes as Reds go through" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liverpool's players rush to celebrate with Joe Allen after scoring the winning penalty</td></tr>
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His dreams of a Wembley final, of leading Liverpool to silverware next month, remain intact, but only after his side survived one of those nerve-ridden, dramatic nights that are increasingly part of their fabric.</div>
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Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, so often the villain, produced heroics to deny Peter Crouch and Marc Muniesa and then substitute Joe Allen stepped up to strike the winning penalty, with Klopp sat at the back of the dug-out.</div>
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For Stoke there was only regret; their hopes of a first appearance in the League Cup final since 1972 falling agonisingly short after Marko Arnautovic’s controversial goal had initially succeeded in prolonged their interest in the competition by wiping out the first-leg deficit.</div>
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The visitors served note of their intention to shrug off the weight of history by taking their battle for a place in the final to extra-time.</div>
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Liverpool struggled to build on the advantage Jordon Ibe’s first leg goal had brought them to leave Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of reaching Wembley next month on a knife-edge after another flimsy display at Anfield.</div>
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The change in approach by Hughes, both Crouch and Jon Walters were included, was unashamedly implemented with a nod and wink towards Liverpool’s deficiencies.</div>
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And why not? Klopp pompously claimed on TV before kick-off that it “seems to be a heading festival,” yet when he selects mobile forwards to pull more cumbersome defenders out of position he is merely adopting a different approach towards the same end result.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-gXce9Io5ScO3OJ1aZG_gbRgTUS2_-sIoBn0TNObDXx-Y0sBQPaxuvJtIy9045s7TOtFV9k8xYB5zSMyrbw5J_540XdM09c4dvbbDYXQuhTZ8qtPfrXYENPfofl4RPdW_7fVdjgw56iW/s1600/Liverpool+6+-+Stoke+5+%2528pens%2529-+Mignolet+and+Allen+the+shoot-out+heroes+as+Reds+go+through+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Liverpool 6 - Stoke 5 (pens): Mignolet and Allen the shoot-out heroes as Reds go through" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-gXce9Io5ScO3OJ1aZG_gbRgTUS2_-sIoBn0TNObDXx-Y0sBQPaxuvJtIy9045s7TOtFV9k8xYB5zSMyrbw5J_540XdM09c4dvbbDYXQuhTZ8qtPfrXYENPfofl4RPdW_7fVdjgw56iW/s640/Liverpool+6+-+Stoke+5+%2528pens%2529-+Mignolet+and+Allen+the+shoot-out+heroes+as+Reds+go+through+2.jpg" title="Liverpool 6 - Stoke 5 (pens): Mignolet and Allen the shoot-out heroes as Reds go through" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jurgen Klopp has the chance to win his trophy as Liverpool boss</td></tr>
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The irony that the goal which changed the complexion of the tie in first-half stoppage time resulted from a flowing move will not be lost on the visitors.Stoke, to a man, had failed to turn up at The Britannia and conjured more threat here than they had managed in 90 minutes on home soil.</div>
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That the first opportunity mid-way through the half arrived from a long ball was no surprise, but Klopp should be unhappy that Mamadou Sakho allowed Erik Pieters’ pumped pass from left-back position to sail over his head where Walters swooped.</div>
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A left-foot shot from the right hand side of the penalty area went across the face of goal on an evening when every chance felt crucial given how few clear cut opportunities there were.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYw0ZdN3pRI0qgutFR8xLRlu7HVjpxtgxLOie9bNakwG7SXyA0b61jVFordDQrc05lR_-JPs11syKwGD0YLN31vpKohbJjJiLGAcNqAmfPb00gf5yh0tYpO-lSXnybdy3tWE7OPojUC6_/s1600/Liverpool+6+-+Stoke+5+%2528pens%2529-+Mignolet+and+Allen+the+shoot-out+heroes+as+Reds+go+through+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Liverpool 6 - Stoke 5 (pens): Mignolet and Allen the shoot-out heroes as Reds go through" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYw0ZdN3pRI0qgutFR8xLRlu7HVjpxtgxLOie9bNakwG7SXyA0b61jVFordDQrc05lR_-JPs11syKwGD0YLN31vpKohbJjJiLGAcNqAmfPb00gf5yh0tYpO-lSXnybdy3tWE7OPojUC6_/s640/Liverpool+6+-+Stoke+5+%2528pens%2529-+Mignolet+and+Allen+the+shoot-out+heroes+as+Reds+go+through+3.jpg" title="Liverpool 6 - Stoke 5 (pens): Mignolet and Allen the shoot-out heroes as Reds go through" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Arnautovic gave Stoke a controversial lead on the night </td></tr>
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The next one they took, albeit by virtue of a slice of good fortune. Walters and Bojan twice swapped passes in the build and when Bojan delivered a cute cross Arnautovic tucked home from eight yards.</div>
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Replays showed he was offside, but with the assistant linesman lagging behind due to the speed of the attack the effort stood.</div>
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Liverpool had drawn energy from Klopp’s presence on the touchline, and the noisy tumult emanating from the stands, but, at times, it felt as if they were playing with their hearts rather than their heads. The quality suffered as a result.</div>
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Emre Can sent a rasping 25-yard drive narrowly wide of Jack Butland’s right-hand post and Jordan Henderson attempted a volley from further out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTO3DmHbbXTW3kf6SFs2JWeVutWHEnA75O_BR6wP3XKuVnfSjnLkrUbpOB4jZg0Hh5MIytsL_331LXKjBvscbhazRpagOix595MSV8XGraVvQNAjcIa4RgLdCs3QVCU9p-R01ZdplilN0/s1600/Liverpool+6+-+Stoke+5+%2528pens%2529-+Mignolet+and+Allen+the+shoot-out+heroes+as+Reds+go+through+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Liverpool 6 - Stoke 5 (pens): Mignolet and Allen the shoot-out heroes as Reds go through" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTO3DmHbbXTW3kf6SFs2JWeVutWHEnA75O_BR6wP3XKuVnfSjnLkrUbpOB4jZg0Hh5MIytsL_331LXKjBvscbhazRpagOix595MSV8XGraVvQNAjcIa4RgLdCs3QVCU9p-R01ZdplilN0/s640/Liverpool+6+-+Stoke+5+%2528pens%2529-+Mignolet+and+Allen+the+shoot-out+heroes+as+Reds+go+through+4.jpg" title="Liverpool 6 - Stoke 5 (pens): Mignolet and Allen the shoot-out heroes as Reds go through" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relief for Liverpool as they now look forward to the League Cup final at Wembley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yet the late twist at the end of the half condemned both sides to face a test of their nerve as well as talent. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That Stoke’s inability to deal with a corner so nearly handed the initiative straight back immediately following the restart merely added to the frenzy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Crouch failed to clear properly and when Henderson found Roberto Firmino his low shot was blocked smartly by the out-stretched left boot of Butland at his post.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yet the siege was laid to Simon Mignolet’s goal with Stoke seeking another goal to make certain of their first win here since March 1959. Sakho twice blocked bravely from Walters as he looked to get shots off and Liverpool continued to find themselves chasing the ball rather than controlling it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The introduction of Christian Benteke for the limping Henderson offered the hosts their own aerial presence and yet they continued to make life difficult for themselves.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Belgium striker missed Alberto Moreno’s cross and when the ball fell to Jon Flanagan, who was making his first start since May 2014 due to a serious knee injury, he was quickly crowded out. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet; Flanagan, Toure, Sakho, Moreno; Henderson, Lucas, Can; Milner, Firmino, Lallana. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stoke (4-2-3-1): Butland; Johnson, Wollscheid, Muniesa, Pieters; Whelan, Afellay; Walters, Bojan, Arnautovic; Crouch, Booked: Muniesa. Goal: Arnautovic 45.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Referee: J Moss (Tyne and Wear).</div>
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Liverpool 6 - Stoke 5 (pens): Mignolet and Allen the shoot-out heroes as Reds go through

JURGEN KLOPP could not look and, on this occasion, he could not even blame a pair of broken glasses. Liverpool's players rus...

Jurgen Klopp: Why Liverpool v Stoke will be a heading festival at Anfield

<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
JURGEN KLOPP thinks tonight League Cup semi-final will be a 'heading festival'.</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi4YM7783zkco5FjgYyZ2xeK21EyIoulCw_yTGFECzmD16qesKcgT1Wi79llLgl06yChDORud8nwa7DHsSMv8-BkH3d3OGF0ky6FIvwxU43bd7vQcAqXZxzJXhl40lDkA1BRz9QCQguMd/s1600/Jurgen+Klopp-+Why+Liverpool+v+Stoke+will+be+a+heading+festival+at+Anfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jurgen Klopp: Why Liverpool v Stoke will be a heading festival at Anfield" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi4YM7783zkco5FjgYyZ2xeK21EyIoulCw_yTGFECzmD16qesKcgT1Wi79llLgl06yChDORud8nwa7DHsSMv8-BkH3d3OGF0ky6FIvwxU43bd7vQcAqXZxzJXhl40lDkA1BRz9QCQguMd/s640/Jurgen+Klopp-+Why+Liverpool+v+Stoke+will+be+a+heading+festival+at+Anfield.jpg" title="Jurgen Klopp: Why Liverpool v Stoke will be a heading festival at Anfield" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jurgen Klopp says tonight will be a heading festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Liverpool face Stoke at Anfield with a 1-0 lead from the first leg.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The winners will face either Manchester City or Everton at Wembley.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But Reds boss Klopp knows tonight will be tough.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Everybody has told me it is special," he said. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"But I have to see it, smell it and experience it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I'll have to see after the game. Stoke have brought all their tall players so it seems to be a heading festival.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the cup run he added: "Players until now have made everything perfect. We deserve to be here. We won the first game - let's go."</div>
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Jurgen Klopp: Why Liverpool v Stoke will be a heading festival at Anfield

JURGEN KLOPP thinks tonight League Cup semi-final will be a 'heading festival'. Jurgen Klopp says tonight will be a head...

Teams: Jon Flanagan starts for Liverpool as Stoke make four changes

<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
JON FLANAGAN makes his first start since May 2014 as Liverpool attempt to beat Stoke and reach the Capital One Cup final.</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATp5YZyAmHU-zAcK5AZScDnOezQCiIesJW-apPpn0sTB2yCsfy_qXr5GRvdXWNdF89u2HL-mjrxYXNtLPttUlQtdsrFTE4sz40aoaqlO4RO8cCMN8R82GHe8KRULfk6Zqw0y4QMQH2s0i/s1600/Teams-+Jon+Flanagan+starts+for+Liverpool+as+Stoke+make+four+changes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Teams: Jon Flanagan starts for Liverpool as Stoke make four changes" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATp5YZyAmHU-zAcK5AZScDnOezQCiIesJW-apPpn0sTB2yCsfy_qXr5GRvdXWNdF89u2HL-mjrxYXNtLPttUlQtdsrFTE4sz40aoaqlO4RO8cCMN8R82GHe8KRULfk6Zqw0y4QMQH2s0i/s640/Teams-+Jon+Flanagan+starts+for+Liverpool+as+Stoke+make+four+changes.jpg" title="Teams: Jon Flanagan starts for Liverpool as Stoke make four changes" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon Flanagan makes his first start since May 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He starts in place of the injured Nathaniel Clyne who is missing with a knee problem, while Adam Lallana replaces Jordon Ibe in midfield.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stoke bring in Marc Muniesa for the injured Ryan Shawcross.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Peter Crouch, Marko Arnautovic and Bojan Krkic also all start for the visitors.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Liverpool:</strong> <em>Mignolet, Flanagan, Toure, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Henderson, Milner, Lallana, Firmino.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Subs:</strong> <em>Ward, Lovren, Benteke, Allen, Ibe, Teixeira, Smith.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Stoke:</strong> <em>Butland; Johnson, Wollscheid, Muniesa, Pieters; Whelan, Afellay; Walters, Bojan, Arnautovic; Crouch.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Subs:</strong> <em>Haugaard; Bardsley, Joselu, Wilson, v.Ginkel, Adam, Shaqiri.</em></div>
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Teams: Jon Flanagan starts for Liverpool as Stoke make four changes

JON FLANAGAN makes his first start since May 2014 as Liverpool attempt to beat Stoke and reach the Capital One Cup final. Jon Fl...

Team News: Klopp dealt fresh Liverpool injury blow ahead of Stoke clash

<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
NATHANIEL CLYNE is a doubt for Liverpool's League Cup semi-final second leg at home to Stoke.</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nQimD73RDEdzV2aPfRQHFLnZmVmpP3W5zdytsJJMLs7Kru3P-gr4XLP7GW1ZTnq3a1KiqyKqUV-zwGFqhxrVxSaJDptp4AYm5Zku8c0BH7-GH5nWzxZvD-AxW_qiKC_-SL-_eztoBV0O/s1600/Team+News-+Klopp+dealt+fresh+Liverpool+injury+blow+ahead+of+Stoke+clash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Team News: Klopp dealt fresh Liverpool injury blow ahead of Stoke clash" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nQimD73RDEdzV2aPfRQHFLnZmVmpP3W5zdytsJJMLs7Kru3P-gr4XLP7GW1ZTnq3a1KiqyKqUV-zwGFqhxrVxSaJDptp4AYm5Zku8c0BH7-GH5nWzxZvD-AxW_qiKC_-SL-_eztoBV0O/s640/Team+News-+Klopp+dealt+fresh+Liverpool+injury+blow+ahead+of+Stoke+clash.jpg" title="Team News: Klopp dealt fresh Liverpool injury blow ahead of Stoke clash" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jurgen Klopp dealt another injury setback ahead of Stoke clash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The England right-back missed training with a knock on his knee and, if he cannot recover in time, Jon Flanagan is set for his first start since May 2014 after two knee operations.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Centre-back Dejan Lovren has returned to training but is not yet ready to start, while on-loan Steven Caulker is ineligible.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZozyLuGfmRAGHG80kstoqRRuUcSqWIUj-yRps8qvuyzIacLpaM5Ak4cEYlZ7Xkv4wSdg4rnz2Twsx4erSKBe9ya_tGj7qRez7E4fjOjBhPMm9XfWTRM-_7ylNerXVLSMDMFZFJnUn6KBQ/s1600/Team+News-+Klopp+dealt+fresh+Liverpool+injury+blow+ahead+of+Stoke+clash+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Team News: Klopp dealt fresh Liverpool injury blow ahead of Stoke clash" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZozyLuGfmRAGHG80kstoqRRuUcSqWIUj-yRps8qvuyzIacLpaM5Ak4cEYlZ7Xkv4wSdg4rnz2Twsx4erSKBe9ya_tGj7qRez7E4fjOjBhPMm9XfWTRM-_7ylNerXVLSMDMFZFJnUn6KBQ/s640/Team+News-+Klopp+dealt+fresh+Liverpool+injury+blow+ahead+of+Stoke+clash+2.jpg" title="Team News: Klopp dealt fresh Liverpool injury blow ahead of Stoke clash" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathaniel Clyne is a doubt for the League Cup visit of Stoke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is definitely without Philippe Coutinho, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Sturridge (all hamstring) and Divock Origi, Joe Gomez and Danny Ings (all knee).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Provisional squad:</strong> <em>Mignolet, Flanagan, Toure, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas, Henderson, Can, Milner, Firmino, Lallana, Ward, Randall, Smith, Allen, Brannagan, Ibe, Benteke, Teixeira.</em></div>
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Team News: Klopp dealt fresh Liverpool injury blow ahead of Stoke clash

NATHANIEL CLYNE is a doubt for Liverpool's League Cup semi-final second leg at home to Stoke. Jurgen Klopp dealt another injury ...

Manchester United line up shock move for England keeper as fears grow over De Gea future

<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock move for Jack Butland, according to reports.</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Nq8CXea5V_J7YJAEgp-sT8TsPJOCJiPsLj5nxOPzjDuJSJ4mtOmp-_BtEbWF13_3fxDt_wXJ9enYLWRFPvP4_EWxqCXvP2aGtadKoUfukIPmrDKCvBKFV7jizs5viM6p0HoJBI97iAyT/s1600/Manchester+United+line+up+shock+move+for+England+keeper+as+fears+grow+over+De+Gea+future.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Manchester United line up shock move for England keeper as fears grow over De Gea future" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Nq8CXea5V_J7YJAEgp-sT8TsPJOCJiPsLj5nxOPzjDuJSJ4mtOmp-_BtEbWF13_3fxDt_wXJ9enYLWRFPvP4_EWxqCXvP2aGtadKoUfukIPmrDKCvBKFV7jizs5viM6p0HoJBI97iAyT/s640/Manchester+United+line+up+shock+move+for+England+keeper+as+fears+grow+over+De+Gea+future.jpg" title="Manchester United line up shock move for England keeper as fears grow over De Gea future" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack Butland is on Manchester United's radar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Manchester%20United" target="_blank">United</a> are wary of losing <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/David%20de%20Gea" target="_blank">David de Gea</a> to Real Madrid despite their impending transfer ban.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Real%20Madrid" target="_blank">Madrid</a> are set to be banned from signing players for two windows beginning this summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But De Gea, whose move to the Bernabeu fell through last summer, is still their long-term target to replace Iker Casillas who left for Porto.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And United are now keeping tabs on <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Stoke%20City" target="_blank">Stoke</a> keeper Butland, according to the <em>Daily Mail</em>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Jack%20Butland" target="_blank">Butland</a> has put in a host of impressive performances this season helping Stoke develop a new style of football in front of him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Butland has made more saves (80) than any other keeper in the Premier League this season and has kept nine clean sheets from 22 games.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnT3Lt11085SxlsP3gTcjAnALaHRdyUlXCtPhjXZmAvGNHj87A2QyoXS9fx1APkBeqYzu3fLYzaPba8RukyoUXItVPp72LhvFhOzjytfzeoCT49086u3nOQ5RIlUFqOSJYqlWPmP-_ChLz/s1600/Manchester+United+line+up+shock+move+for+England+keeper+as+fears+grow+over+De+Gea+future+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Manchester United line up shock move for England keeper as fears grow over De Gea future" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnT3Lt11085SxlsP3gTcjAnALaHRdyUlXCtPhjXZmAvGNHj87A2QyoXS9fx1APkBeqYzu3fLYzaPba8RukyoUXItVPp72LhvFhOzjytfzeoCT49086u3nOQ5RIlUFqOSJYqlWPmP-_ChLz/s640/Manchester+United+line+up+shock+move+for+England+keeper+as+fears+grow+over+De+Gea+future+2.jpg" title="Manchester United line up shock move for England keeper as fears grow over De Gea future" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butland has kept nine clean sheets in 22 games so far this season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Butland will go to Euro 2016 as Joe Hart's understudy but if he continues this season's form will challenge for the No.1 jersey beyond the summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Butland joined Stoke from Birmingham in 2013. He spent time on loan back at Birmingham and at Barnsley, Leeds and Derby.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He became first choice at Stoke this season after Asmir Begovic left the Britannia for Chelsea.</div>
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Stoke 0 - Arsenal 0: Gunners go top of the Premier League as Cech proves his worth

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ARSENAL moved back to the top of the Premier League with a gritty draw against Stoke.</h2>
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Teams: Mesut Ozil out for Arsenal but Elneny on bench as Arsene Wenger makes changes

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MESUT OZIL is a notable absentee from the Arsenal team to face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.</h2>
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 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuW1fCBsRphTKVgJcyou1bATmEZ21XA_p23ELSOJbTmCF0GQGOZJxI15hsbXZL6BSvYV7siwvxoHJziZcslKc5LCVqFkZKp_bXYFsHJsXsfhx6D2BKUWH-XtKZ6ZdQE7FfrNu0EJKxR-d/s1600/Teams-+Mesut+Ozil+out+for+Arsenal+but+Elneny+on+bench+as+Arsene+Wenger+makes+changes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Teams: Mesut Ozil out for Arsenal but Elneny on bench as Arsene Wenger makes changes" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuW1fCBsRphTKVgJcyou1bATmEZ21XA_p23ELSOJbTmCF0GQGOZJxI15hsbXZL6BSvYV7siwvxoHJziZcslKc5LCVqFkZKp_bXYFsHJsXsfhx6D2BKUWH-XtKZ6ZdQE7FfrNu0EJKxR-d/s640/Teams-+Mesut+Ozil+out+for+Arsenal+but+Elneny+on+bench+as+Arsene+Wenger+makes+changes.jpg" title="Teams: Mesut Ozil out for Arsenal but Elneny on bench as Arsene Wenger makes changes" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesut Ozil is out for Arsenal</td></tr>
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The German misses the match with a slight foot injury according to the club and is replaced in the starting line-up by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.</div>
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New signing Mohamed Elneny starts on the bench while Alexis Sanchez, who was pictured in training yesterday, misses out again.</div>
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Stoke manager Mark Hughes has named an unchanged line-up from the team which beat Norwich 3-1 on Wednesday. </div>
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Xherdan Shaqiri is out with a hamstring injury.</div>
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<strong>Stoke: Butland, Shawcross, Pieters, Wollscheid, Johnson, Walters, Arnautovic, Afellay, Whelan, Bojan, Joselu</strong></div>
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<em>Subs: Haugaard, Muniesa, Adam, Van Ginkel, Crouch, Odemwingie, Diouf</em></div>
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<strong>Arsenal: Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Ramsey, Flamini, Campbell, Oxlade-Chamberlin, Walcott, Giroud.</strong></div>
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<em>Subs: Ospina, Chambers, Gabriel, Gibbs, Elneny, Arteta, Iwobi.</em></div>
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Teams: Mesut Ozil out for Arsenal but Elneny on bench as Arsene Wenger makes changes

MESUT OZIL is a notable absentee from the Arsenal team to face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. Mesut Ozil is out for Arsenal ...

Team News: Wenger unsure on Elneny and Sanchez but four Arsenal stars out for Stoke clash

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ARSENE WENGER is yet to decide whether to hand Mohamed Elneny his Arsenal debut in Sunday's trip to Stoke.</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaU0nWobEVsvDzXKMmETa180AktpuAqZgv3hyNXhZyev5zUru2BPE23A7Sds3F3E-klrbLSbzH3egk8_6eJQ_M0v09VRD2ZOkCX5BgNPmZTgROaWx9LjuimEGFqJqdRiPVhvSSrtaxXfw/s1600/Team+News-+Wenger+unsure+on+Elneny+and+Sanchez+but+four+Arsenal+stars+out+for+Stoke+clash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Team News: Wenger unsure on Elneny and Sanchez but four Arsenal stars out for Stoke clash" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaU0nWobEVsvDzXKMmETa180AktpuAqZgv3hyNXhZyev5zUru2BPE23A7Sds3F3E-klrbLSbzH3egk8_6eJQ_M0v09VRD2ZOkCX5BgNPmZTgROaWx9LjuimEGFqJqdRiPVhvSSrtaxXfw/s640/Team+News-+Wenger+unsure+on+Elneny+and+Sanchez+but+four+Arsenal+stars+out+for+Stoke+clash.jpg" title="Team News: Wenger unsure on Elneny and Sanchez but four Arsenal stars out for Stoke clash" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arsene Wenger undecided on Mohamed Elneny and Alexis Sanchez for Stoke trip</td></tr>
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The Egypt midfielder joined the Gunners on Thursday but may not feature at the Britannia Stadium as he adapts to the English game.</div>
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Wenger also has a decision to make over Alexis Sanchez, admitting he would be taking a risk by playing the Chile forward who is fit after recovering from a hamstring injury.</div>
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The north London club will definitely be without Jack Wilshere (leg), Francis Coquelin, Danny Welbeck, and Santi Cazorla (all knee) due to injury.</div>
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<strong>Arsenal provisional squad:</strong> <em>Cech, Ospina, Macey, Monreal, Gibbs, Koscielny, Gabriel, Mertesacker, Bellerin, Debuchy, Chambers, Ramsey, Elneny, Rosicky, Flamini, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Reine-Adelaide, Iwobi, Sanchez, Campbell, Walcott, Giroud.</em></div>
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Team News: Wenger unsure on Elneny and Sanchez but four Arsenal stars out for Stoke clash

ARSENE WENGER is yet to decide whether to hand Mohamed Elneny his Arsenal debut in Sunday's trip to Stoke. Arsene Wenger undeci...

Stoke 0 - Liverpool 1: Ibe secures tight lead as trio limp off with hamstring problems

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JURGEN KLOPP spoke too soon.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordon Ibe scored the only goal at the Britannia Stadium</td></tr>
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Having described Stoke City’s transformation under Mark Hughes as “maybe the biggest change in football,” so Liverpool proceeded to challenge that notion.</div>
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They were inspired whereas at West Ham four days earlier they had been insipid, a shimmering win sealed by Jordon Ibe’s first-half goal also defying a sense of adversity.</div>
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Klopp had described ‘hamstring’ as his least favourite word of 2015 and to see Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren depart before the interval to join a long list of casualties, suggests it remains the bane of his managerial life in 2016.</div>
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<section class="text-description">The ability to shrug off those setbacks, coupled with Stoke’s inadequacies as they fluffed their lines, means the advantage lies with Liverpool ahead of the Capital One semi-final return leg at Anfield at the end of the month.</section><section class="text-description">Liverpool will rue they did not make more of their chances to effectively seal a 12th appearance in the final of the competition, but after such an impressive effort Klopp would doubtless look at the positives.</section><section class="text-description">Given the supposed ferocity of Klopp’s post-match tongue-lashing after the defeat by West Ham, it would have been no surprise had his words still been ringing in his players’ ears. Indeed, Liverpool started as if they were.</section><section class="text-description">There was more urgency in the opening skirmishes than had been witnessed throughout that game in London as they filled the right spaces, pickpocketed passes intended for red and white stripes and broke forward at will.</section><section class="text-description">Adam Lallana saw a 20-yard shot beaten away following some slick interplay in the eighth minute and Ryan Shawcross needed to produce a well-timed tackle to thwart Coutinho after he had been freed by Joe Allen’s raking pass.</section><section class="text-description">That it was to be the Brazilian’s last contribution before limping off – pawing at the back of his left leg as he did so – has been symptomatic of Klopp’s luck since his arrival.</section><section class="text-description">To compound the issue, Lovren joined the walking wounded soon after injuring a hamstring when sliding in to tackle Xherdan Shaqiri, before Kolo Toure also pulled up late on.</section><section class="text-description">They now have 11 players out – they have had 25 injuries, not including illness, since Klopp took over – so it is little wonder they struggle for consistency. </section><section class="text-description">Yet against that improbable backdrop the visitors continued in the ascendancy, their rhythm barely fractured. Stoke’s night was summed up when Bojan produced an air shot after Shaqiri’s clever corner had found him unmarked.</section><section class="text-description">Liverpool’s reward came  in the 37th minute. Substitute James Milner’s ball down the right freed Lallana and, whether Allen miscued or produced a touch of a genius, the cross was helped to the supporting Ibe.</section><section class="text-description">He took a touch and then battered a left-foot shot beyond Jack Butland to leave Klopp punching the air.</section><section class="text-description">In contrast, Hughes, who stood arms folded in the pouring rain in his technical area, looked incandescent. Liverpool – sharp in the tackle and slick of movement with Christian Benteke on the substitutes’ bench – were everything Stoke were not and two minutes after the breakthrough they could have doubled their advantage.</section><section class="text-description">Firmino pounced out of the shadows to dispossess Glenn Whelan only to overrun the chance and the covering Shawcross cleared.</section><section class="text-description">The failure to take such chances has been a recurring theme and, with Glen Johnson bringing a fine save from Simon Mignolet after a corner had been cleared to him in stoppage time, it was a reminder of the tie remained in the balance.</section><section class="text-description">For all the plaudits Stoke, or Stoke-alona as they have been rechristened, have received it was telling that Hughes brought on Jon Walters for Geoff Cameron at half-time to try wrestle back the initiative.</section><section class="text-description">His arrival ratcheted the atmosphere up an notch and the sense built that Liverpool’s make-shift centre-back pairing of Toure and Lucas would face a barrage.</section><section class="text-description">Yet the triumvirate of Bojan, Shaqiri and Marko Arnautovic remained well-policed and it was only when substitute Joselu hit a deflected effort that Mignolet was forced to tip over the cross. Liverpool remained dangerous on the break. </section><section class="text-description">Firmino fired wastefully over the top to the annoyance of Milner and dragged another chance wide before the impressive Allen was denied a penalty after Whelan fouled him. Klopp’s players heeded his warning not to test his patience again. Given their home form at Anfield, a test of nerve awaits. </section><section class="text-description"><strong><em>Stoke (4-3-3): Butland; Johnson, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Pieters; Cameron (Walters 45), Whelan, Afellay; Shaqiri, Bojan (Joselu 69), Arnautovic. NEXT UP: Doncaster Rovers (a), Sat FAC.</em></strong></section><section class="text-description"><strong><em>Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet, Clyne, Toure, Lovren (Milner 34), Moreno; Can, Lucas, Allen (Benteke 79); Lallana, Firmino, Coutinho (Ibe 18). Goal: Ibe 37. Booked: Mignolet. Goal: Ibe 37. NEXT UP: Exeter (a), Fri FAC.</em></strong></section><section class="text-description"><strong><em>Referee: A Taylor (Greater Manchester).</em></strong></section></div>
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Stoke 0 - Liverpool 1: Ibe secures tight lead as trio limp off with hamstring problems

JURGEN KLOPP spoke too soon. Jordon Ibe scored the only goal at the Britannia Stadium Having described Stoke City’s transfo...

West Brom 2 - Stoke 1: Evans nets injury-time winner to secure three points for Baggies

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JONNY EVANS scored a last-minute winner for the Baggies to ensure Stoke started 2016 miserably.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa9bvbgOLklh9kgpD6xBO76UhOPpBMyijZxS7Ta00VJcSjb4EmapFaCkLYJC3aZjvUxHHM6oOzp654xhyphenhyphenWHHWh_D0k47oDLm6ughw_8vkTXoHO7QTM0NAhfcD_FNNvOBdJKuX4UdbspE/s1600/West+Brom+2+-+Stoke+1-+Evans+nets+injury-time+winner+to+secure+three+points+for+Baggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="West Brom 2 - Stoke 1: Evans nets injury-time winner to secure three points for Baggies" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa9bvbgOLklh9kgpD6xBO76UhOPpBMyijZxS7Ta00VJcSjb4EmapFaCkLYJC3aZjvUxHHM6oOzp654xhyphenhyphenWHHWh_D0k47oDLm6ughw_8vkTXoHO7QTM0NAhfcD_FNNvOBdJKuX4UdbspE/s640/West+Brom+2+-+Stoke+1-+Evans+nets+injury-time+winner+to+secure+three+points+for+Baggies.jpg" title="West Brom 2 - Stoke 1: Evans nets injury-time winner to secure three points for Baggies" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Brom recorded a 2-1 victory over Stoke at The Hawthorns</td></tr>
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A goal-mouth scramble deep into injury time fell to the former Manchester United defender who tapped in from close-range.</div>
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Stephane Sessegnon had put the Baggies in front on the hour mark from 12-yards out following some good work from Darren Fletcher.</div>
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But Jonathan Walters produced a header from close range with ten minutes remaining before Geoff Cameron received a red card for violent conduct moments later.</div>
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Mark Hughes' 10-man side looked to be heading home with a point, before it all turned sour in the final minutes.</div>
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Cameron was judged to have raised his hands towards Claudio Yacob that left Lee Mason no choice but to send him for an early shower.</div>
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Stoke's desperate attempts to hold on for a point were brutally ended by Evans in the 93rd minute.</div>
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The result sees Stoke remain in 10th place, while West Brom move up to 12th.</div>
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West Brom 2 - Stoke 1: Evans nets injury-time winner to secure three points for Baggies

JONNY EVANS scored a last-minute winner for the Baggies to ensure Stoke started 2016 miserably. West Brom recorded a 2-1 victory ov...

Everton 3 - Stoke 4: Late Marko Arnautovic penalty gives Mark Hughes' side thrilling win

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MARKO ARNAUTOVIC'S 90th minute penalty gave Stoke victory in a thrilling encounter at Goodison Park.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmiPfL-DyLd-15ZuTH7EjVM08OfNSJHooYTOvJrBUKKMyrA4GUFJ7eafPeAg1fxgh8wEhhT-fpmvp-KLowpHbhYP19ceJOsyeO7ZDPpZX3lrlM8VtyTJB7Tw63L9AZUTWkZKYP-no8r4/s1600/Everton+3+-+Stoke+4-+Late+Marko+Arnautovic+penalty+gives+Mark+Hughes%2527+side+thrilling+win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Everton 3 - Stoke 4: Late Marko Arnautovic penalty gives Mark Hughes' side thrilling win" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmiPfL-DyLd-15ZuTH7EjVM08OfNSJHooYTOvJrBUKKMyrA4GUFJ7eafPeAg1fxgh8wEhhT-fpmvp-KLowpHbhYP19ceJOsyeO7ZDPpZX3lrlM8VtyTJB7Tw63L9AZUTWkZKYP-no8r4/s640/Everton+3+-+Stoke+4-+Late+Marko+Arnautovic+penalty+gives+Mark+Hughes%2527+side+thrilling+win.jpg" title="Everton 3 - Stoke 4: Late Marko Arnautovic penalty gives Mark Hughes' side thrilling win" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joselu celebrates after scoring Stoke's third goal</td></tr>
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Xherdan Shaqiri's two strikes were canceled out twice by Romelu Lukaku before Gerard Deulofeu put Everton ahead.</div>
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Joselu looked to have rescued a point for Stoke before Arnautovic's late penalty gave Mark Hughes' side the win.</div>
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<strong>More to follow.</strong></div>
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Everton 3 - Stoke 4: Late Marko Arnautovic penalty gives Mark Hughes' side thrilling win

MARKO ARNAUTOVIC'S 90th minute penalty gave Stoke victory in a thrilling encounter at Goodison Park. Joselu celebrates after sc...

Stoke 2 - Man Utd 0: Louis van Gaal facing sack ahead of Chelsea clash after Potters loss

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LOUIS VAN GAAL is edging closer towards the exit door after Manchester United suffered a 2-0 loss to Stoke.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis van Gaal's future remains in huge doubt following their loss to Stoke</td></tr>
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Van Gaal's future remains in huge doubt after their defeat at the Britannia Stadium with the prospect of hosting Chelsea just 48 hours away.</div>
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Should the Dutchman be given the boot, Ryan Giggs and Jose Mourinho have both been heavily tipped to take charge.</div>
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While Pep Guardiola is also in contention should Van Gaal leave, that could see the Old Trafford club attempt to lure him away from joining Manchester City, as widely reported.</div>
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Van Gaal was taunted by the home crowd in an afternoon he'll want to quickly forget as the Stoke faithful displayed banners and sung chants mocking the 64-year-old.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJSem-tbt0H8BuvmcxepXiCda7pErarLm_Zw3wSdegnUy6_85QQez7gMjMtzKC2PILhXZBMgkEZlBrgx8WjxVYWcLMMrbMhVI-Hi09QwA5AOfO_dklfrbIuuZQD9SuUKFFl9Z_3A183c/s1600/Stoke+2+-+Man+Utd+0-+Louis+van+Gaal+facing+sack+ahead+of+Chelsea+clash+after+Potters+loss+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stoke 2 - Man Utd 0: Louis van Gaal facing sack ahead of Chelsea clash after Potters loss" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJSem-tbt0H8BuvmcxepXiCda7pErarLm_Zw3wSdegnUy6_85QQez7gMjMtzKC2PILhXZBMgkEZlBrgx8WjxVYWcLMMrbMhVI-Hi09QwA5AOfO_dklfrbIuuZQD9SuUKFFl9Z_3A183c/s640/Stoke+2+-+Man+Utd+0-+Louis+van+Gaal+facing+sack+ahead+of+Chelsea+clash+after+Potters+loss+2.jpg" title="Stoke 2 - Man Utd 0: Louis van Gaal facing sack ahead of Chelsea clash after Potters loss" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stoke fans mock Manchester United's boss</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The home side took the lead after 19 minutes with a huge helping hand from Memphis Depay.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Dutchman attempted a header back to David De Gea but Glen Johnson was quick to capitalise on his mistake as he squared it to Bojan to fire through the legs of Phil Jones on the line.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Potters doubled their lead five minutes later thanks to a thundering strike from Marko Arnautovic from the edge of the box that left De Gea no chance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Arnaoutovic had the chance to extend the lead just after the half an hour mark as he found himself one on one with with De Gea but he dragged his shot wide of a post.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Van Gaal turned to Rooney to save United's match and potentially his job by taking off Memphis at half-time, but the England international struggled to hit the ground running.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With less than half an hour to go, Maroune Fellaini came close to giving the visitors a lifeline from six-yards out but Jack Butland pulled off a brilliant reaction save.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-three-questions-that-caused-louis.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Van Gaal storm out of his press conference on Wednesday</a> after complaining about the media suggesting he was close to being sacked.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And he won't be looking forward to his post-match interview today either.</div>
<script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>

Stoke 2 - Man Utd 0: Louis van Gaal facing sack ahead of Chelsea clash after Potters loss

LOUIS VAN GAAL is edging closer towards the exit door after Manchester United suffered a 2-0 loss to Stoke. Louis van Gaal's fu...

Stoke Transfer Special: Argentine hotshot wanted, Butland to stay, Crouch exit

<div style="text-align: justify;">
NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you all the latest transfer news from the Britannia Stadium.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPiKe1pw91DoLU6qz6QbjYRB08cNXA6vyKyc5kCWdSHFrSVz6Gtx_45eWv0bo-cKraBHhP4U-_-R-PqsQKAlFlmJf6VZee07UMS1kmnyArV6GspY2MVbYhnu1QzXIQH2llqscnzgmtQlI/s1600/Stoke+Transfer+Special-+Argentine+hotshot+wanted%252C+Butland+to+stay%252C+Crouch+exit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stoke Transfer Special: Argentine hotshot wanted, Butland to stay, Crouch exit" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPiKe1pw91DoLU6qz6QbjYRB08cNXA6vyKyc5kCWdSHFrSVz6Gtx_45eWv0bo-cKraBHhP4U-_-R-PqsQKAlFlmJf6VZee07UMS1kmnyArV6GspY2MVbYhnu1QzXIQH2llqscnzgmtQlI/s640/Stoke+Transfer+Special-+Argentine+hotshot+wanted%252C+Butland+to+stay%252C+Crouch+exit.jpg" title="Stoke Transfer Special: Argentine hotshot wanted, Butland to stay, Crouch exit" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Hughes has brought an array for European stars to Stoke</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Who do they need?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Despite being in the bottom half, Stoke boss Mark Hughes has claimed he is happy with his current squad.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But they could look to make move for a proven goalscorer after just 14 goals in 17 Premier League games.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Only four players - </span>Marko Arnautovic, Mame Diouf, Jon Walters and Bojan Krkic – have scored in the league for Stoke.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<section class="text-description"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How much can they spend?</b></div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Between £10m and £20m. The Potters are never afraid to splash the cash but Hughes may look to take advantage of the loan market in his hunt for players.</span></div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Who might they sign?</b></div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Chelsea target Jonathan Calleri has been linked with Stoke. The Argentine striker is one of the hottest properties in his homeland.</span></div>
</section><div class="p402_hide htmlappend" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<section class="text-description"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Who could leave?</b></div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The superb performances of Jack Butland have led to speculation that he could be leave. But the club are determined to withstand any pressure from rumoured clubs like Liverpool.</span></div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Peter Crouch is one player who may push to leave after a frustrating season out of the picture.</span></div>
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Stoke Transfer Special: Argentine hotshot wanted, Butland to stay, Crouch exit

NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you all the latest transfer news from the Britannia Stadium. Mark Hughes has brought an array for Europe...

Louis van Gaal: This is what Man Utd must improve on before Stoke and Chelsea clashes

Louis van Gaal: This is what Man Utd must improve on before Stoke and Chelsea clashes

Louis van Gaal wants to see more professionalism from his players LOUIS VAN GAAL has demanded his Manchester United side show pro...

Stoke 1 - Crystal Palace 2: Lee Chung-Yong screamer leads to dreams of top four

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekuI0_4Q4iDD2XPhpUskK7ekFV3VSfzLs0kl9wSIqfI3UimapAeae9SVtnsHl2NvfLEAjiLlelbsrSo3sc23FDqxHhW5birzsmowwHcPrB7-C8BN6TxLvDqr7LfhkVe65tO3RdHIiLHQX/s1600/Stoke+1+-+Crystal+Palace+2-+Lee+Chung-Yong+screamer+leads+to+dreams+of+top+four+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stoke 1 - Crystal Palace 2: Lee Chung-Yong screamer leads to dreams of top four" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekuI0_4Q4iDD2XPhpUskK7ekFV3VSfzLs0kl9wSIqfI3UimapAeae9SVtnsHl2NvfLEAjiLlelbsrSo3sc23FDqxHhW5birzsmowwHcPrB7-C8BN6TxLvDqr7LfhkVe65tO3RdHIiLHQX/s640/Stoke+1+-+Crystal+Palace+2-+Lee+Chung-Yong+screamer+leads+to+dreams+of+top+four+-+Copy.jpg" title="Stoke 1 - Crystal Palace 2: Lee Chung-Yong screamer leads to dreams of top four" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee Chung-Yong scored a smashing winner as Palace beat Stoke at the Britannia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A STUNNING late goal from South Korean Lee Chung-Yong took Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace to within goal difference of a Champions League slot. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
"It was an amazing goal,'' said Pardew. ''It was a really great technical goal - it brought the house down our end and on our bench.''</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Until Lee stepped up as the match-winner - eight minutes after coming on as a sub - all the talk was going to be about the referee Bobby Madley.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
His eighth and ninth penalty awards of the season - one to each side - turned what seemed a stalemate into a thriller.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
He handed Palace their fourth penalty of the season in first half stoppage time when Glenn Whelan caught Wilfried Zaha's standing foot.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Not even the Stoke players had mounted any sort of protest before Connor Wickham scored from the spot for his first goal for Palace.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Mr Madley's reaction was almost as immediate when a dropping ball bounced off Damien Delaney's left arm in a goalmouth scramble as Mark Hughes' side chased the equaliser after the break. Bojan Krkic stepped up to fire in the leveller.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
It looked to be heading for a draw until Lee, on as an 81st-minute substitute, scored his first Premier League goal.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
In the sort of form he's in you don't beat Stoke keeper Jack Butland with anything that isn't out of the top drawer - and it was.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Lee hit an absolute screamer from outside the box into the opposite corner of the goal to seal the win.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Stoke boss Hughes said: "We have played worse than that and won. We had a setback with the penalty.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
"That winning goal was eye-catching and something he probably won't do again - and probably hasn't done before! But that's what happens in sport.''</div>

Stoke 1 - Crystal Palace 2: Lee Chung-Yong screamer leads to dreams of top four

Lee Chung-Yong scored a smashing winner as Palace beat Stoke at the Britannia A STUNNING late goal from South Korean Lee Chung-Yong...

West Ham 0 - Stoke 0: England hopeful Jack Butland stars in exciting goalless draw

<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfp2a0xnnz35yxVVTIRb4RDQCo_hS_Hi8fFrCTyCLX-LQk1P6X7WovITtKGLckoD6Ey9A9MPZQvkBV_bcQmbHbBub_0TuBTD2wWfRp46hhxSIf26qoyaokk4Z0GD0azUvJTDLVwQteMGa/s1600/West+Ham+0+-+Stoke+0-+England+hopeful+Jack+Butland+stars+in+exciting+goalless+draw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="West Ham 0 - Stoke 0: England hopeful Jack Butland stars in exciting goalless draw" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfp2a0xnnz35yxVVTIRb4RDQCo_hS_Hi8fFrCTyCLX-LQk1P6X7WovITtKGLckoD6Ey9A9MPZQvkBV_bcQmbHbBub_0TuBTD2wWfRp46hhxSIf26qoyaokk4Z0GD0azUvJTDLVwQteMGa/s640/West+Ham+0+-+Stoke+0-+England+hopeful+Jack+Butland+stars+in+exciting+goalless+draw.jpg" title="West Ham 0 - Stoke 0: England hopeful Jack Butland stars in exciting goalless draw" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">England No 1 Joe Hart is under pressure from Butland, who's been outstanding for Stoke this season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
WHOEVER England face in France next year they will have a tough job getting past Jack Butland - if he plays, that is.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's no doubting Stoke's young keeper will be going to the European championships with England. And he proved yesterday just what an able deputy he will be for Joe Hart.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Some of the saves he produced to stop West Ham were of the world class variety, never mind Europe.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Butland and his opposite West Ham number, Adrian, were the star turns in an entertaining game that truly belied that goalless scoreline.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Had it not been for the two them there would probably have been goals galore.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
To be honest, Stoke would have been in front early on if Marco van Ginkel hadn't missed a sitter.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
The Dutch midfielder, on a season long loan from Chelsea, had the goal at his mercy from about five yards out but somehow managed to miss the target.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Frankly, his granny might have done better!</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
At the time that would have been an injustice, though, given the number of pot shots West Ham had peppered Butland's goal with early on. But it certainly sparked up Stoke. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<section class="text-description"><div class="p2">
They produce some tidy stuff that unsettled the Hammers after that and with Ibrahim Afellay's movement a problem the Potters should probably have been in front at the break.</div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="p2">
Mind you, Butland still had to earn his corn at the other end with a couple of timely saves in a first half that was worth the entrance money - for both sets of fans.</div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="p2">
West Ham started the second half like they did in the first, but with Andy Carroll as the target route one is often their preferred option - and perhaps a waste of some of the creative talent they have in the team.</div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="p2">
Stoke on the other hand kept the ball on the floor. Prettier on the eye and so very different from their days under Tony Pulis.</div>
</section><div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Even so they had to thank Butland again for keeping West Ham out.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
The young England keeper's save was instinctive when Antonio got clear. But it did the business.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
How Stoke didn't go in front on 65 minutes, however, was probably just rank bad luck.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
No wonder Marco Arnautovic held his head in his hans after seeing his fierce free kick come back off the bar after taking a cruel deflection.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
The Austrian, Stoke's hero against Manchester City last week, probably felt cheated at not getting the accolade again yesterday.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkEFIPcsV9HgempmiUZHTpkdXfcvJEusQG6l1xNHKUZIge3XHXF3kRE_7-r2jyqjLOO8STyahaALvRbsw2NcDoRRi5-o7T49qDEHDARKarOpyCpizAHpEmmKntmXqVpyeLZekopkPlmSW/s1600/West+Ham+0+-+Stoke+0-+England+hopeful+Jack+Butland+stars+in+exciting+goalless+draw+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="West Ham 0 - Stoke 0: England hopeful Jack Butland stars in exciting goalless draw" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkEFIPcsV9HgempmiUZHTpkdXfcvJEusQG6l1xNHKUZIge3XHXF3kRE_7-r2jyqjLOO8STyahaALvRbsw2NcDoRRi5-o7T49qDEHDARKarOpyCpizAHpEmmKntmXqVpyeLZekopkPlmSW/s640/West+Ham+0+-+Stoke+0-+England+hopeful+Jack+Butland+stars+in+exciting+goalless+draw+2.jpg" title="West Ham 0 - Stoke 0: England hopeful Jack Butland stars in exciting goalless draw" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a frustrating afternoon for strikers like Stoke's Mame Biriam Diouf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
The same could be said fior substitute  Diouf when he got on the end  of a lovely flowing move, only to be denied by Adrian's outstretched legs.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
But no doubting that Butland was the hero on the day, despite some of the impressive  stuff Stoke served up in front of him.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
He could do nothing about a Mauro Zarate cracker that cannoned off the post. But he did produce at least two more superb saves after that - particularly one he tipped over the bar from Enner Valencia's free kick.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Stoke, under the cosh at that point, were puckily resilient to say the least and Adrian at the other end was again called to make it a keepers day.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
And a good day it was.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
West Ham: Adrian 7; Tomkins 6 Collins 6, Ogbonna 7, Cresswell 6; Song 7 (Valencia 63) 7, Kouyate 6, Antonio 7 (Jelavic 83), Noble 6, Zarate 7, Carroll 6.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Stoke City: Butland 8;Johnson 6, Shawcross 7, Wollscheid 7, Pieters 6; Whelan 6, van Ginkel 5 (Diouf 56), Cameron 5 (Adam 68) 6, Afellay 7 (Walters 65) 6,  Arnautovic 7, Krkic 7.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Star Man: Jack Butland.</div>
</div>

West Ham 0 - Stoke 0: England hopeful Jack Butland stars in exciting goalless draw

England No 1 Joe Hart is under pressure from Butland, who's been outstanding for Stoke this season WHOEVER England face in France...

Five things we learned from Stoke v Man City

<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8viGlosqKKs0MyIlAnNDmXbIEMOPbFXFcNtujQe-YlQsHj-b2cHD54tCAe962P_iJadwtCoGXsGyXzukjABShxAxR2L2MSHvtRmS_n41BkTv5fnhIZtm59FM29js_6hmrCHKXN9AMzTk/s1600/Five+things+we+learned+from+Stoke+v+Man+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Five things we learned from Stoke v Man City" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8viGlosqKKs0MyIlAnNDmXbIEMOPbFXFcNtujQe-YlQsHj-b2cHD54tCAe962P_iJadwtCoGXsGyXzukjABShxAxR2L2MSHvtRmS_n41BkTv5fnhIZtm59FM29js_6hmrCHKXN9AMzTk/s640/Five+things+we+learned+from+Stoke+v+Man+City.jpg" title="Five things we learned from Stoke v Man City" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silva returned to Premier League action, but was unable to make the difference</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stoke, inspired by Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko Arnautovic, blew Manchester City away at The Britannia. Here, Paul Joyce looks at 5 things we learned from the game.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
The gloves are off?</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was the afternoon when City could have made a statement in this most open of title races, winning away at the sort of venue which tests the credentials of prospective champions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yet was the sight of seven City players wearing gloves – including Joe Hart – an insight into how they felt?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kolarov, Demichelis, Silva and Sagna were the only ones who abstained. In contrast, Afellay, Wollscheid and Butland donned mittens for the hosts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Britannia was blustery, but it won’t have been as cold as the chill in the away dressing room at half-time and then after the match.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Make no mistake a 2-0 defeat flattered Manuel Pellegrini’s insipid, inept team who finished when 10 men when Fernando went off in the 74th minute with a hamstring problem after the permitted three substitutions had already been made.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
No Silva lining</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
David Silva was making his first Premier League starts since the 6-1 destruction of Newcastle on October 3, but he was a peripheral figure and it was no surprise he was replaced by Navas after 62 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Without Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero, City’s lack of leaders was all too obvious.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The sight of them being blown away inside the first 15 minutes was reminiscent of Liverpool’s win at the Etihad, but it was the lack of a response that was also alarming.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yet given the amount of money which has been lavished on their squad, it is making excuses for them to constantly focus on the absentees.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG64ZYm4cxGaGXqLai9t4ZdxCKoLhR0NjfLpTBMWwAgEq_TOpS0GcS3tV7MXdSJxohTVxRc7olc21e3p-rYlSrmAxksdezXihzD8b9QGDfHjkiJ8yxq1UwPjrvcQkooOUW78kU1N4EEzI/s1600/Five+things+we+learned+from+Stoke+v+Man+City+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Five things we learned from Stoke v Man City" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG64ZYm4cxGaGXqLai9t4ZdxCKoLhR0NjfLpTBMWwAgEq_TOpS0GcS3tV7MXdSJxohTVxRc7olc21e3p-rYlSrmAxksdezXihzD8b9QGDfHjkiJ8yxq1UwPjrvcQkooOUW78kU1N4EEzI/s640/Five+things+we+learned+from+Stoke+v+Man+City+2.jpg" title="Five things we learned from Stoke v Man City" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butland racked up another clean sheet and a fine performance</td></tr>
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 </div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
England’s, England’s No2?</h3>
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Chants of “England’s, England’s No1” reverberated around the Britannia and here was more proof that Jack Butland represents the first real challenge Joe Hart has had to be the country’s first choice goalkeeper.</div>
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Hart remains the man in possession, but Butland’s save after Kevin de Bruyne had tricked his way through in the 14th minute was crucial.</div>
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Stoke marched up-field within 60 seconds and Shaqiri’s brilliant pass to Arnautovic brought his second goal of the afternoon.</div>
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A save at his near post from Kolarov just before the break was also key. So much so, the home fans delighted in chanting “England’s No2” at Hart during one passage of play.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
City need reinforcements</h3>
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The timing of the sale of 13 per cent of City to Chinese investors (CMC) could come in handy even if it is not meant to go on the team.</div>
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Everywhere you look City need strengthening: in attack where Bony does not convince and in midfield where Fernando was a liability for the first two goals and in defence where they are shorn of composure when without Kompany.</div>
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Even though City have splashed out on full-backs in recent seasons and have two experienced internationals in each position - Zabaleta and Sagna on the right and Kolarov and Clichy on the left - too often they are culpable in the build-up to goals.</div>
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It is another area that needs revisiting in the summer when the inevitable reinforcements are recruited.</div>
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Southampton and England left-back Ryan Bertrand would be one option worth pursuing. Alternatively, it is worth asking if CMC kept the receipt?</div>
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 </div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Mark Hughes deserves some plaudits</h3>
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Hughes had been philosophical about his own time at Manchester City, which ended in the sack six years ago this month, when interviewed in the build-up to the game.</div>
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“I've no bitterness towards City. I wasn't really their guy," he said.</div>
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"I was appointed by another group of people so when that group changed, if I'm honest, it was only a matter of time before I got replaced. Looking back I probably lasted as long as I could."</div>
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Yet it should be not been as a stain on his CV. Barring Shawcross, Cameron and Whelan every other starting player for Stoke was bought by Hughes since his arrival in 2013.</div>
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The contribution of Shaqiri and Arnautovic here was something else. This is Hughes’ team and the results reflect well on him.</div>

Five things we learned from Stoke v Man City

Silva returned to Premier League action, but was unable to make the difference Stoke, inspired by Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko Arnautovi...

Teams: Manchester City welcome back Joe Hart, Shawcross returns, no Walters for Stoke

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l4Vz_eycty-pQBPrdjY1RxiXabTsRgzSOtd1mpcaMySTZ4zXFD08VeSNkmXXPSsh2Ec3QB-4frdMAS_mKkMcS_yOIICKKmPg-VtkJNC0J1Nd_Ak9HEexY2e184684Tkp-GqkyAhMECk/s1600/Teams-+Manchester+City+welcome+back+Joe+Hart%252C+Shawcross+returns%252C+no+Walters+for+Stoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Teams: Manchester City welcome back Joe Hart, Shawcross returns, no Walters for Stoke" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l4Vz_eycty-pQBPrdjY1RxiXabTsRgzSOtd1mpcaMySTZ4zXFD08VeSNkmXXPSsh2Ec3QB-4frdMAS_mKkMcS_yOIICKKmPg-VtkJNC0J1Nd_Ak9HEexY2e184684Tkp-GqkyAhMECk/s640/Teams-+Manchester+City+welcome+back+Joe+Hart%252C+Shawcross+returns%252C+no+Walters+for+Stoke.jpg" title="Teams: Manchester City welcome back Joe Hart, Shawcross returns, no Walters for Stoke" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Hart returns in goal for Manchester City</td></tr>
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NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you the team news for the Premier League match between Stoke and Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium.</div>
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Joe Hart returns from a muscle injury sustained in Turin against Juventus, meaning Willy Caballero returns to the bench as City make a trip with which they have struggled in recent years.</div>
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David Silva made his comeback from injury against Hull City in the Capital One Cup, but starts once again alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, with the latter on the bench in midweek.</div>
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However, Manuel Pellegrini's side are without Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero after they joined Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, and Samir Nasri on the injury list.</div>
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Stoke make four changes from the side that beat Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup, with John Walters, Peter Crouch, Marco Van Ginkel, and Marc Wilson missing out.</div>
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Bojan returns to lead the line while Ryan Shawcross returns from suspension in the centre of defence.</div>
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<strong>Stoke</strong>: Butland, Johnson, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Pieters, Cameron, Whelan, Shaquiri, Afellay, Arnautovic, Bojan.</div>
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<strong>Subs</strong>: Haugaard, Joselu, Wilson, Van Ginkel, Adam, Diouf, Walters.</div>
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<strong>Manchester City</strong>: Hart, Sagna, Otamendi, Demichelis, Kolarov, De Bruyne, Fernando, Fernandinho, Silva, Sterling, Bony.</div>
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<strong>Subs</strong>: Caballero, Navas, Kelechi, Delph, Garcia, Clichy, Humphreys.</div>

Teams: Manchester City welcome back Joe Hart, Shawcross returns, no Walters for Stoke

Joe Hart returns in goal for Manchester City NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you the team news for the Premier League match between Stoke a...

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