Wilkinson - 6 - Struggled for most of the game but never gave up and couple of great tackles helped stop attacks
Higginbotham - 6 - Was under pressure a lot when in possession but rarely picked out a teammate which put team in the back foot
Shawcross - 7 - Let Kuyt get goal side for the third but another good display bar that. Showed grit and determination and was always hanging around at the other end when the chance arose
A.D. Faye - 7 - Massive improvement on Saturdays game. Must have cast aside all the cobwebs during that opening 90 minutes and was solid throughout
Cresswell - 5 - Picked for his defensive abilities, he failed to track Johnson numerous times and this resulted in a dangerous tackle just before half time. Could easily have walked if Johnson hadn't rode the tackle well and not made a meal of it
Etherington - 6 - Trying to recapture that early form but so far eluding him. Effort is there and pace can be seen by all, which makes it even more frustrating he can't fit all the pieces together...yet.
Whitehead - 7 - Up and down, up and down, the mans a machine, never stops running and seemed to sniff out danger before it became apparent. Made vital interceptions
Whelan - 6 - Passing was never allowed to be fully shown and got caught in possession a few times when looking for an outlet but defensive game was done well
Delap - 7 - Here, there and everywhere. His energy was fantastic, never gave up and his throw ins were all in the button. Extremely unlucky not to have put the Potters right back in it just after half time. (Man Of The Match)
Beattie - 6 - Unlucky, and mostly lonely, job of sole striker was carried out without complaint and even tracked back and helped out in defence if he thought it was needed. One adventurous effort to go with a fine flick on, that should have been an assist in the first half.
Subs:
Fuller - 6 - Potters didn't see much, if any, of the ball after his arrival and he cut a lonely figure up front
Lawrence - 6 - Struggled to get himself involved in the danger area but defensively was a welcome set of fresh legs to stem the Liverpool tide
Pugh - 5 - Was never able to get in the game