Stoke City ended Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season thanks to a first-half penalty from striker Jonathan Walters.
Having been fouled by Jamie Carragher to win the penalty, Walters stepped up to blast home the spot-kick and give his side the lead heading into the break.
The hosts gave new signing Peter Crouch his debut against his former club, while Kenny Dalglish made one change from the side that beat Bolton – bringing in Martin Skrtel to replace injured right-back Martin Kelly.
Having dominated the early stages, Liverpool found themselves behind after Carragher was caught out by a ball from Jermaine Pennant. The Liverpool defender tussled with Walters before referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot, and Walters gladly slammed home down the middle to give the Potters the lead.
Liverpool were almost handed an immediate equaliser after Jordan Henderson saw his cross fumbled by Asmir Begovic into the path of Luis Suarez, but Ryan Shawcross positioned himself perfectly to send his effort wide.
Stoke’s centre half pairing of Matthew Upson and Ryan Shawcross continued to frustrate the Liverpool forward-line, but were fortunate to not concede a penalty late on when a reverse ball from Suarez appeared to hit the arm of Upson.
The ever dangerous Suarez continued to inspire the visitors, but after Jordan Henderson spurned a great chance to equalise, the Uruguayan missed a golden opportunity to get on the scoresheet in injury time, missing an open goal after another error from Stoke ‘keeper Begovic.
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