Benitez baffled by disallowed goal

The England midfielder's second-minute free-kick sailed straight into the Potters' goal but referee Andre Marriner - with a linesman's flag raised - ruled out the effort. Television replays showed Dirk Kuyt, who followed the ball into the net, was not in an offside position.

"The disallowed goal was a key decision. If that had been allowed it would have been a much more open game," said Benitez.

"I have no idea why the goal was disallowed. The referee told Jamie Carragher that it had been his decision, not the linesman's. But it was a massive mistake. And nobody knows why the effort was ruled out.

"The players worked very hard. They tried everything, but maybe we needed a little more ability in the last third to make use of all that possession and all those shots."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis admitted his side had been fortunate to escape with "a decision that went our way."

Pulis said: "I was delighted with our performance, my players fought for everything. And we had a little luck. We got a decision at Anfield that went our way.

"But I don't know why that early effort was ruled out. It certainly was not for offside, I have been told by people who have seen the replay that Kuyt was not offside.

"I would rather recall what a fantastic performance it was by my team," he added. "To come to Anfield against a really great team and get a point like that is very pleasing."

"My players fought for everything, they won everything in the air and that is pleasing because the longer it goes at Anfield with you under the cosh, the more chance is that they will finally get one."