A Giannelli Imbula own goal and a first Premier League goal of the campaign for Daniel Sturridge in the second half put the seal on a third straight victory for the Reds, who are still unbeaten at Anfield this season. The win allowed Liverpool to move to within six points of Premier League leaders Chelsea as they moved back above Manchester City, who they host at Anfield on New Year's Eve. Without a win in four games, Stoke are 13th.
"A very difficult game. The result doesn't show it but it was difficult," said Klopp. "A lot of things we could have done better but we forced two goals with our quality - really good, really important both of them. "We adjusted a little bit at half-time, scored a wonderful third goal and then Daniel closed the game."