Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino inspired Liverpool to a second-half comeback against a stubborn Stoke City.

Jonathan Walters had put Jurgen Klopp’s side behind shortly before half time as the Reds fielded youngsters Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn.

But it was the introduction of the Brazilian duo which turned the tide in the visitors’ favour as Coutinho bundled home from close-range to level the score.

A minute later, Firmino latched onto a Georginio Wijnaldum long ball to half-volley from outside the penalty area and secure maximum points in the Potteries.

Here were the key talking points from the Bet365 Stadium:

Too much too young?

 

Jurgen Klopp has never shied away from his belief in blooding Liverpool’s youngsters and rarely hesitates in calling upon them if the occasion dictates.

Clearly that belief translates as a big future for players such as Ben Woodburn and Trent Alexander-Arnold, both handed starring roles at the Bet365 Stadium.

Barring cameo appearances in cup competitions, however, the Reds’ home-grown crop have struggled to make lasting impressions on the bigger occasions.

Injuries have impacted hugely on Klopp’s selections and opting to keep both Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho on the bench appeared a huge risk.

The selection of youth is a positive move by the Liverpool manager but with a top four place still far from secure, it highlights once again a lack of squad depth.

Coutinho is pulling the strings again

 

Although suffering from nausea in midweek, Coutinho’s introduction added health and vigour to an attacking department which had appeared jaundiced.

His strike from close range, reacting instinctively as Glenn Whelan blocked an Emre Can cross, was hardly a trademark but provided a much-needed cohesion.

Finally the Brazilian appears to be turning the corner following months of underwhelming inconsistency since he returned from a six-week injury lay-off.

In the absence of Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana, it is vital that Klopp can keep Liverpool’s no.10 fit and fresh heading into the final six games of the season.

With a second goal in as many games and, crucially, three points sealed, perhaps that is what the German will argue in justifying his future starting eleven.

Is this Sturridge’s farewell tour?

 

Divock Origi was elected to lead the line again at the Potteries but appeared in no real danger of influencing Liverpool on the score sheet.

That the Belgian is Klopp’s second choice is little surprise but the inclusion of Woodburn, at 17, over Daniel Sturridge shows how far the latter’s star has fallen.

His 26-minute cameo was tidy and showed signs of a positional sense with which his former, fitter self would have punished opposing defenders with relative ease.

But Liverpool will take the prospect of having a match-fit Sturridge to call upon between now and the end of the current campaign as a bonus.

The heroics of his fellow substitutes allowed the England striker’s role in proceedings to go largely under the radar on this occasion.

More may pass without similar incident in what could well prove to be his final appearances in Liverpool colours.

Reds need to be more Jekyll, less Hyde

 

It’s difficult to assess a team that can play so well against Arsenal and Everton but then drop points in games against Hull and, more recently, Bournemouth.

Given Liverpool’s travails against the Premier League’s mid-table straddlers, a cynic may have been tempted to put money on an easy home victory for Stoke.

Yet maximum points puts the Reds in good stead for their run-in, especially with Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United all boasting games in hand.

Even with the trio breathing down their necks, fourth place is very much in Liverpool’s hand still but much of that depends on what lies ahead from them.

Which team will turn up for a finale which includes a trip to Watford as well as home encounters with Watford and Middlesbrough by close of play on May 21?