They made hard work of it towards the end but Liverpool got the three points, which is what matters.
Liverpool ended the match as 2-1 winners against West Bromwich Albion in a game which, in all honesty, they could have scored four or five on the night. Jürgen Klopp’s Reds were on the front foot for the majority of the game and definitely looked back to their best after a dismal performance against Manchester United on Monday.
They were fluid, dangerous and an absolute joy to watch. If not for an insane number of missed chances and a poor set piece goal conceded, we’d be talking about one of the performances of the season for the Reds. Liverpool missed a chance to finish the day top of the league, however, we can’t take away from the fact that they played extremely well against a team that played a low block – something they’ve been accused of not being able to break down.
Nine games, six wins, 20 goals scored and 2nd in the league. The times are good at Anfield.
Here are my player ratings from the West Brom game:
Loris Karius - 6
Had nothing to do all game and his distribution from the back was absolutely superb. Looked a bit shaky when crosses came in but I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt after a win.
Nathaniel Clyne - 7
I usually praise Nathaniel Clyne for his defensive work but I thought he really shone when in the final third. Some of his balls into the box were superb and was constantly creating chances. Hopefully, we see more of him in an attacking sense.
Joel Matip - 8
Someone please tell me how he was brought in on a free? Another assured performance at the back and he looks like he’s been at Liverpool for years. Commanding, great passer and reads the game superbly. Absolute bargain signing.
Dejan Lovren - 7
Another great performance from Lovren. He got in some crucial blocks and tackles towards the end of the match and, if not for a Ben Foster save, would have got on the score sheet. Long may it continue.
James Milner - 6
Didn’t sparkle but was still decent throughout the match. Played virtually LW the entire match and was linking up alongside Phillipe Coutinho down that left-hand side often. No complaints.
Jordan Henderson - 7
Back to his best tonight. Was constantly interchanging with Emre Can and guarded that back 4 superbly. Got a yellow for dissent so unfortunately will miss the next game in the League Cup, but other than that a good performance.
Adam Lallana - 7
Back in the side and back in action. Adam Lallana played well in the middle of the park and showed why he is so integral to that midfield. Played on the half turn and made us tick. Good for him to be back.
Emre Can - 7
That’s more like it! He looked rusty on Monday but against West Brom he showed us his quality we saw so much last season. Lambasting runs into the final third and helped set up the first goal. Much improved.
Phillipe Coutinho - 9
Man of the match by a mile. Phillippe Coutinho really turned on the magic tonight, helping set up the first goal and scoring the second with a wonderful body turn and finish. What a show by the midfielder.
Sadio Mané - 7
Took his goal superbly to finish off a fantastic move. Was quiet on Monday but Sadio Mané looked back to the player Liverpool fans have gotten used to seeing this season. 4 goals this season already, what a signing!
Roberto Firmino - 7
His neat play and off the ball work was desperately needed this game and his pressing is what led to the second goal. I would have rated him higher if he put away a couple of his chances but still good nonetheless.
(Sub) Georginio Wijnaldum - 6
Looked neat and tidy, created Firmino’s chance towards the end with a good touch and unlucky to not get a goal in the 93rd minute.
(Sub) Lucas Leiva - 6
Helped shut up shop. Nothing much else to report.
(Sub) Divock Origi - 6
Came on too late to make a difference. Helped time waste at the end at least.