Joe Allen dictates pace early on against Liverpool but 'Welsh Xavi' is denied special Anfield return

The Liverpool fan in the main stand was not amused.

Twenty minutes had gone on Tuesday, Stoke City were leading 1-0 and old boy Joe Allen had just almost doubled that lead.

‘It’s Joe Allen,’ boomed our man, in his thick Scouse accent, ‘******* Joe Allen, come on!’

It was a sentiment shared by many.