Liverpool started their Premier League season by beating Stoke City 1-0 this afternoon.

Glen Johnson fired over in the first half, before Martin Skrtel saw a header saved after the break.

The Reds then stole the points late on, as Philippe Coutinho fired a powerful strike beyond Jack Butland and into the top corner.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded at the Britannia Stadium.

Match statistics

STOKE
Shots: 7
On target: 1
Possession: 47%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 9

LIVERPOOL
Shots: 8
On target: 3
Possession: 53%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 16

Was the result fair?

Stoke will be disappointed at losing the match as there was little to separate the teams before Coutinho's sensational late winner. It was a very even affair and chances were at a premium throughout. The first half was especially tight and the match was heavily disrupted by a number of fouls from both teams.

The game improved after the break and both sides looked more of a goal threat, without truly testing their opponents' keeper. In the end it took a moment of magic to give Liverpool the points, as they gained some measure of revenge for the 6-1 thrashing that they suffered on their last visit to the Britannia.

Stoke's performance

Stoke made a slow start to the match and they were never able to reach the heights of their victory over the Reds in May. They looked laboured in possession and they struggled to get the ball forward quickly enough in support of lone striker Mame Biram Diouf. Despite their under-par showing, they could have taken the lead just before the break, but Johnson blazed over from close range.

After the break they showed more threat coming forward and a free kick from Charlie Adam had to be palmed away by Simon Mignolet, before Diouf saw a header deflect narrowly over. However, they failed to make their few chances pay, as Coutinho fired Liverpool to the three points. The result will be a blow to Mark Hughes and he will want his players to perform far better when they return to action next weekend.

Liverpool's performance

It was not a vintage display from Liverpool, but Brendan Rodgers will be delighted at the result. He named four of his new arrivals in the starting lineup and his team struggled to gel in the early stages. They did not pose much of an attacking threat in the opening 45 minutes, with Christian Benteke looking isolated.

They improved in the second half and gradually managed to take control of the match before grabbing the win late on. The victory will surely provide a major boost for the Reds and give them a solid platform to build upon in the coming months.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Philippe Coutinho: There weren't any truly outstanding displays from either team, but Coutinho gets the nod thanks to his stunning goal. Despite not playing at his best, the Brazilian provided the telling contribution as he added to his collection of outstanding strikes.

Biggest gaffe

Johnson had the chance to give Stoke the lead against his old club in the first half, but he scooped the ball over the bar from inside the box. A goal at that stage in the contest would have made a huge difference and the outcome of the game may have been very different.

Referee performance

It was not the easiest game for Anthony Taylor to referee, but he produced a solid display in the middle of the pitch. He was forced to give out six yellow cards and helped to stop the match from boiling over.

What next?

Stoke: The Potters will make the trip to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday.

Liverpool: The Reds are set to take on Bournemouth at Anfield on August 17.