The Reds produced a disjointed performance in their first league match of 2009 but did enough to earn a share of the spoils and increase their advantage to four points.

It was a frustrating evening for Rafael Benitez and his men who twice went close to winning it late on when two Steven Gerrard efforts bounced back off the woodwork.

Prior to the clash, the Reds boss had made six changes from the side that saw off Preston in the FA Cup, with Martin Skrtel returning to partner Sami Hyypia at the heart of the defence.

It was the Slovakian's first start since October and his inclusion suggested the Reds were expecting to encounter a series of aerial assaults from the Potters.

It is a game-plan that has served Tony Pulis' men well this season, and after Dirk Kuyt guided Albert Riera's pinpoint cross wide on eight minutes, they nearly grabbed a shock lead with their first set piece of the match.

A long throw from Rory Delap was only half-cleared by the Liverpool defence and when Amdy Faye launched an up-and-under, the midielder arrived late in the box to crash a shot from six yards against the crossbar.

It was a let-off, but one that the Reds would learn from.

Indeed, the remainder of the first-half was a scrappy affair, with both Hyypia and Skrtel in imperious form at the back, while at the other end Kuyt saw a drilled effort from a tight angle beaten away by Thomas Sorensen.

Rafa and co will have been frustrated by their first-half display and they began the second 45 determined to make a marked improvement.

However, they nearly came unstuck on 50 minutes when Pepe Reina's rushed clearance fell straight at the feet of Stoke striker Dave Kitson.

The former Reading man ran through on goal and rounded the Spanish stopper, only to lift his shot into the side netting with the goal gaping.

Liverpool responded by introducing Fernando Torres into the proceedings and his presence on the pitch almost inspired an immediate breakthrough on 61 minutes, but Hyypia thrashed a shot over after Lucas Leiva had headed back across goal.

El Nino has scored six goals for the Reds this season - all away from Anfield and all from the 55th minute onwards - but there would be no lucky number seven on this occasion, as Stoke held firm.