AT least Liverpool got something right yesterday. After the completion of regular safety exercise Operation Anfield, it was announced the stadium exits were clear should there be any unexpected departures.

The streams of disgruntled home supporters who marched out long before the final whistle would have appreciated the guarantee of a swift getaway.

No wonder. This was yet another disappointing, frustrating and ultimately winless 90 minutes for Liverpool on their own turf.

Yesterdays visit of Stoke City was always going to be the litmus test of the attractive passing game Brendan Rodgers is determined to drum into his players.

They came up woefully short.

Yes, Liverpool struck the woodwork four times. Yes, some of Stokes defending was borderline legitimate. Yes, referee Lee Mason continues to perplex with interpretation of the laws of the game.

But the bottom line is Rodgers side were simply neither good enough, creative enough nor cute enough to chisel out a way through Stokes characteristically robust rearguard.

What should have been an intriguing clash of styles swiftly developed into a grim, ugly afternoon that risked matching the sheer awfulness of the Potters last top-flight visit back in the second week of January, a game that also ended goalless.

Stokes approach may not win many admirers but it is effective. And while its also hugely predictable, such an accusation could be pointed at Liverpools forward efforts.

Certainly, home supporters were left pining for the aerial threat of Andy Carroll as a succession of inviting crosses went begging.

But with Rodgers making it clear that particular boat has long since sailed, the responsibility continues to rest on the shoulders of Luis Suarez.

Stoke know this. Lets face it, everyone knows this. And the lack of protection from the fierce treatment dished out by the visiting defenders served only to heighten the Uruguayans growing frustration.

That, though, was no excuse for his lamentable dive midway through the second half, Suarez hitting the deck despite clear daylight between the striker and nearest Stoke players Marc Wilson and Dean Whitehead.

So obvious was the simulation, it prompted an embarrassed grumble from the Anfield faithful. If Suarez wants to start earning the penalties he deserves, he must stop trying to win the ones he doesnt.

There were positives in the performance of home debutant Andre Wisdom while Suso, making his first Anfield start, and Raheem Sterling refused to be intimidated by the greater physical might of their giant opponents.