Premier League: Stoke City 3 Liverpool 1

Stoke City came from behind to beat a disappointing Liverpool 3-1 in an enthralling English Premier League clash on Wednesday.

The game got off to a flying start when Ryan Shawcross brought down Luis Suarez in the penalty area inside the first minute, allowing Steven Gerrard to step up and convert from the spot.

But the response from the hosts was instant, as Jon Walters equalised just minutes later.

The home side took the lead as Kenwyne Jones met a Matthew Etherington corner with a powerful header.

Stoke went 3-1 up as Jones flicked a long throw on to Walters, who scored his second at the Britannia Stadium.

The visitors found themselves with a chance to take the lead inside the first minute, as Suarez cut into the penalty area from the right wing and was brought down by Shawcross.

Gerrard stepped up and side-footed his effort into the bottom corner and past a helpless Asmir Begovic.

But Stoke replied almost immediately, equalising just minutes later.

A long ball from defence found Jones, who towered above Daniel Agger to flick the ball into the Liverpool area, leaving Walters to latch onto the pass and finish smartly past Pepe Reina after Martin Skrtel had slipped.

Tony Pulis’ men then took the lead after an Etherington corner was met by a towering Jones, who evaded the attentions of Agger and Gerrard with ease.

Glen Johnson was on the line, but pressure from Shawcross prevented the right-back from making the clearance.

The visitors came close to equalising at the beginning of the second half as substitute Raheem Sterling raced passed Shawcross and crossed towards Suarez.

The Uruguayan did well to escape Robert Huth at the near post, but could only divert the ball onto the outside of the post.

Stoke then added to their lead after a long throw from Geoff Cameron was flicked on to Walters by the impressive Jones.

The Republic of Ireland international finished emphatically, taking the chance quickly by volleying into the top corner.

Shawcross almost conceded a second penalty, as Stewart Downing tumbled under a challenge from the centre-back just outside the penalty area.

The winger took the free-kick, but failed to test Begovic after blasting straight into a crowd of players.

Liverpool never looked like getting back into the game, as a combination of determination and fantastic work rate ensured Stoke held on and jumped into eighth.