Liverpool were fresh off their last fixture in the Premier League when they travelled to Stoke and were able to get all three points there. This fixture, away to West Brom, gave most of the fans the same scare, as they are a similar side who like to put a spanner in the works whenever a top side comes to visit. Plus Tony Pulis has never lost a home league game against Liverpool during his time in charge.
Liverpool did bring Coutinho and Firmino back in the strike force, as well as Lucas, who was deployed in midfield by Klopp. All three Brazilians were rested against Stoke.
As for West Brom, they went with Claudio Yacob in midfield to give more protection to an already stable back four. Hal Robson-Kanu was in for Salamon Rondon, who hasn’t scored in his last 17 games, a drought which stretches back four months.
The game started and there were two contrasting styles on show, a neat passing move from the visitors was ended by a hefty boot upfield. West Brom were quick to knock the ball long, with Robson-Kanu a great outlet. This direct approach almost worked for them, as in the 12th minute, England international Jake Livermore, switched the ball towards West Brom winger Matt Philips, who was unable to keep his shot down.
In the 14th minute, Liverpool had a close chance as Claudio Yacob misplaced a pass which was pounced on by Coutinho. Sprinting forward, he tried to skew to Firmino, who’s shot was just wide of the goal.
In the 35th minute, the Baggies had another chance of their own, as Livermore’s inch-perfect pass found Robson-Kanu, who couldn’t apply enough venom on the shot, as it was gathered easily by the Liverpool goalie, Simon Mignolet.
It was becoming the same stale performance from Liverpool, but just before the break, Chris Brunt lunged in foolishly on Clyne. James Milner stepped up to take the free-kick. The ball was crossed into the box, Lucas rose highest and his touch put the ball on a plate for Firmino, who made no mistake and gave Liverpool the lead right before the break.
As the second half started, both sides were more into the game, and in the 56th minute, Liverpool were on the attack. Firmino crossed the ball into the box and no one picked up James Milner, who was arriving late from left back. Though somehow, he managed to volley it over Ben Foster, and over the goal.
In the 80th minute, West Brom had a rare attack of their own as Rondon, who was on for Robson-Kanu, slipped it through for Phillips who was one on one with Mignolet. The Belgian made himself big and confidently kept Liverpool in the lead.
The game moved into stoppage time, and West Brom had a corner. Every Baggies player was in and around the Liverpool box, including Ben Foster. The corner was half cleared by Liverpool and it found Alberto Moreno, who was on off the bench. He was rushing toward an empty goal, and had Gini Wijnaldum and substitute Daniel Sturridge either side of him, but decided to shoot himself. The balled trickled wide of the post, a missed chance that would’ve surely sealed the game for Liverpool.
The final whistle blew and it was delight for Klopp as he hugged Zeljko Buvac. Liverpool were successful in getting 6/6 points from two tough away trips, Stoke City and West Brom.
