Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was satisfied after the 1-0 Capital One Cup defeat of Stoke City – but criticised his side’s difficulty in front of goal.
The Reds have a one-goal lead to protect when the two sides meet again in the second-leg of the semi-final thanks to Jordon ibe's 37th minute strike.
But they will possibly be without Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren who were subbed in the first half as their injury list continues to grow.
The German said: "The only thing we can criticise is our finishing again. We had a good structure, played football good, everything was good but we don't make enough goals.
"The biggest problem for us is we have two and maybe three injured players again.
Show all 23 1 /23Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Jack Butland, Stoke Dealt admirably with a barrage of early long-range shots yet his kicking was questionable. 6/10
Getty
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Glen Johnson, Stoke Eager to impress against his former club, he was the most willing Stoke player to get forward. 6
Getty
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Ryan Shawcross, Stoke Typically robust in putting his body on the line at the back, greater composure could have brought his team a leveller at the other end. 7
Getty
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Philipp Wollscheid, Stoke Liverpool's tempo caused the German problems in playing out from the back. 5
Getty
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Erik Pieters, Stoke Troubled throughout by the movement of Lallana and Firmino. 5
2016 Liverpool FC
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Geoff Cameron, Stoke Played after winning appeal against his weekend dismissal, but was sacrificed at half-time after struggling in midfield. 5
2016 Liverpool FC
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Glenn Whelan, Stoke Failed to deal with Liverpool's high pressing game, but never gave up. 5
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Xherdan Shaqiri, Stoke Other than a few neat touches, it was a night to forget for the stylish Swiss forward. 5
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Ibrahim Afellay Another who saw little of the ball as the visitors dominated possession high in the Stoke half. 5
2016 Liverpool FC
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings MArko Arnautovic, Stoke A willing runner, but unable to make inroads behind Liverpool's patched up backline. 6
Getty
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Bojan, Stoke Struggled to make an impact in the match aside from a ten-minute second half spell. 5
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Simon Mignolet, Liverpool Little to do, but saved well from Johnson when required. 6
Getty
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Nathaniel Clyne Liverpool Dealt well with the challenge of Arnautovic down the right flank. 6
2015 Liverpool FC
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Kolo Toure, Liverpool Liverpool's only fit centre-back stood up to the challenge as Stoke went for height and power in the latter stages. 7
2016 Liverpool FC
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Dejan Lovren, Liverpool Another to suffer a first half hamstring injury, he had already produced a couple of well-timed challenges. 6
Getty
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Alberto Moreno, Liverpool Caught out at times in defence, but threatened from an attacking perspective. 6
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Emre Can, Liverpool Covered the gap between defence and midfield admirably. 7
2016 Getty Images
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Lucas, Liverpool Showed experience in midfield, and then made a reliable makeshift defender following Lovren's injury. 8
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Joe Allen, Liverpool Mocked after his faux assist for Ibe's winner, but influenced a dominant midfield. 7
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Adam Lallana, Liverpool Back in the side, he produced an all-round impressive display that peaked with his run and cross for the winning goal. 8
2016 Getty Images
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Roberto Firmino, Liverpool Played the lone forward role well, and had linked nicely with his compatriot Coutinho before his removal. 7
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool Started the night brightly before succumbing to an early muscle injury. 6
2016 Getty Images
Stoke vs Liverpool player ratings BEST OF THE BENCH: Jordon Ibe, Liverpool An early replacement for the lively Coutinho, he was his side's biggest attacking threat, scoring the game's only goal. 7
Getty
"Very frustrating. The problem is we had too much injury, when the players come back others are injured. It is a cycle that needs to come out.
"We have no break, no recovery, Players who never had a problem had no problems in pre-season are fine, for all other players it is up and down."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies