Roberto Firmino was the match-winner as Liverpool scraped a vital 1-0 win over West Brom in their pursuit for Champions League football. The Brazilian was on hand to head in on the brink of half-time to secure all three points for Liverpool.
His well-taken goal was enough to secure his side a fifth win in seven games, and may possibly be a turning point for the club as they have finally learned to overcame sides beneath them in the table by winning ugly.
The forward started on the right-hand side, allowing his first opportunity to fall on his weaker foot, which he dragged wide. He then turned creator, with a fine diagonal pass that his national team-mate Philippe Coutinho volleyed wide, before crossing for James Milner to volley over in the second half.
His goal finally arrived in first-half injury time. The Brazilian found himself in the right place at the right time, and once again proved his knack for finishing, with a well-placed header. His bravery epitomised his tenacity in attack, keeping an experienced West Brom defence busy for the entirety of the game.
His impressive all-round display was capped off by some important defensive duties, demonstrating his willingness to put in the dirty work, in a much needed scrappy performance. However, it was the attacking movement from Firmino that yet again conveyed he really is one of the top forwards in the Premier League.
Liverpool have massively struggled without Sadio Mane this season, but recent results have proved different as Firmino and Coutinho have stepped up to the plate, scoring four of the club’s last five goals.
Adding to his impressive performance are significant statistics for both himself and his club, as he has now been directly involved in 34 Premier League goals since the start of last season, more than any other Liverpool player. He has also now surpassed his Premier League goal tally from last season (10 in 2015/16, 11 in 2016/17).
Firmino has now scored the winner for his club in two consecutive games, and Liverpool will be hoping the forward can continue this great run of form in their remaining fixtures this season.
The Reds host Crystal Palace next Sunday in the later kick-off, before travelling to Watford on May 1st. Very winnable fixtures remain in May, with home ties against Southampton and Middlesbrough either side of a trip to West Ham, although the Merseyside club seemingly never have it easy.
