A Ryan Shawcross own goal and a Luis Suarez strike gave the visitors a 2-0 lead after 31 minutes, but goals from Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam saw the teams go in level at the break.

Steven Gerrard's penalty then put Liverpool back in front before Suarez found the net for a second time to extend their advantage.

Jonathan Walters gave Stoke some hope when he cut the deficit with six minutes left on the clock, but the away side sealed the points late on thanks to a goal from substitute Daniel Sturridge.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the sides at the Britannia Stadium.

Match statistics

Stoke
Shots: 13
On target: 4
Possession: 51%
Corners: 11
Fouls: 10

Liverpool
Shots: 13
On target: 9
Possession: 49%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 8

Was the result fair?

Stoke will feel aggrieved that they didn't earn themselves at least a point after scoring three times against Liverpool, but the visitors deservedly came away with the spoils as they made fewer mistakes and looked more clinical in the final third.

Stoke's performance

It could have been all so different for the hosts had they not defended so poorly throughout. Liverpool were gifted their second goal, while further shakiness led to Steven Gerrard's penalty. However, there was plenty to be pleased about as a determined display in midfield often nullified the visitors' creativity. Stoke also looked dangerous in attack, although they were also guilty of some poor finishing.

Liverpool's performance

It was a day of contrasts for the Merseysiders as they proved to be lethal in attack while looking suspect in defence. They frequently struggled with the muscular approach of Stoke, but that mattered little when their wealth of talent up front played as they did. Suarez, Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Sturridge gave the hosts a torrid time with their pace and movement. This was the sort of game that Liverpool would have lost or drawn in years gone by, but they managed to come away with the points this time thanks to a clinical display.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Luis Suarez: The Uruguayan was once again the inspiration for Liverpool, scoring twice to reach 22 goals for the season. His movement constantly gave the Stoke defence headaches, while his link-up play with the returning Daniel Sturridge is sure to have brought a big smile to manager Brendan Rodgers's face.

Biggest gaffe

Stoke's defending was dodgy all afternoon, but the catalogue of errors leading to Suarez's first goal was plain embarrassing. Marc Wilson and Shawcross both had chances to clear the ball, but Suarez was somehow allowed to slot the ball into the net.

Referee performance

Anthony Taylor put in a decent enough 90 minutes at the Britannia Stadium, but his display is sure to come under scrutiny after awarding Liverpool a dubious penalty. Sterling went down very easily under a challenge from Wilson, although Taylor was happy to point to the spot. The official is likely to regret giving it if he sees a replay.

What next?

Stoke: The Potters return to action on Saturday with a trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Liverpool: Liverpool continue their Premier League campaign on Saturday when they welcome Aston Villa to Anfield.