West Brom comeback overshadows Salah landmark

- Continuity from Moore, changes from Klopp -

West Brom came into the game off the back off a surprise victory over Manchester United, and Darren Moore named an unchanged line-up from the team that won 0-1 at Old Trafford. Jurgen Klopp made a few rotations with an eye on Liverpool's Champions League semi-final against Roma, with Danny Ings replacing Roberto Firmino up top, but put out a strong side nonetheless.

- Joy for Ings -

Ings rewarded Klopp's confidence in him, scoring in the fourth minute to give the visitors an early lead. The goal was set up after Mane jinked past a defender down the left before putting a low ball into a crowded box. It found Ings, who scored his first goal since 2015 in what was clearly an emotional moment for the forward, who has been plagued by injuries as of late.

West Brom seemed to be playing with less weight on their backs as the game progressed, though, and weren't afraid to attack Liverpool in the first half. They came close to scoring a few times, using their superiour size and strength, but they were unable to convert a goal, despite Jay Rodriguez coming inches away from turning in a James McClean shot.

- Subs change the pace -

The game continued at a similar tempo in the second half, as Liverpool dominated possession, but were unable to reach full stride due to some good defending from the home side.

The introduction of Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain off the bench midway through the half breathed some fresh life into their attack, though, and they made it 0-2 in the 72nd minute. Substitute Chamberlain was instrumental to the goal, threading Mo Salah in with a nice ball into the box, for the Egyptian to dink over Ben Foster in the 72nd minute. It was another landmark for Salah, who has now equalled the Premier League record goal tally in a season, scoring 31 in 35 league games for the 'Reds'.

 

21 April 2018

- Late turnaround from Baggies -

It all seemed wrapped up with 15 minutes to play, but West Brom rocked the visitors in the 79th, as Jake Livermore turned in a rebound in the box to pull one back for the 'Baggies'. The ball was initially whipped in from a corner, and Craig Dawson saw a shot saved by Loris Karius, but the German keeper was unable to prevent the second attempt from going in. 

Darren Moore's side then equalised with just two minutes of ordinary time to be played, making it 2-2 with another set-piece goal. Jordan Henderson gave away a needless free-kick down the left after some sloppy play, and Salomon Rondon was too big and too quick at the front post, heading past Karius in the 88th minute to seal another point for West Brom.

- A largely irrelevant result -

The 'Baggies' have been much improved since Darren Moore's arrival as caretaker manager, however it will almost certainly be too little too late for them, as they remain eight points off safety. The result also doesn't impact Liverpool much, as they still enjoy an eight point cushion over Chelsea (who admittedly have one game in hand). Their focus will now turn to their Champions League semi on Tuesday, although it arguably had already begun to wander there prior to this game.

 

21 April 2018