Liverpool have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 6 games at Anfield and West Brom are yet to keep a clean sheet away from home this season. The outcome of the game was predictable to some. But how they were wrong. Tonight saw two players making landmark appearances which were not reflecting in their performances. Glen Johnson’s 100th appearance and Lucas Leiva’s 200th appearance for Liverpool Football Club should have given the crowd a reason to celebrate but their silence seemed to indicate that they weren’t willing to do so.
Liverpool huffed and puffed in the first-half, only producing half chances. Jonjo Shelvey, back in the team, scored a goal which was correctly ruled offside after good play from Johnson. West Brom were solid, defending with relative ease but without creating too many chances themselves. Liverpool played a high line and pressed well, but their pressure was seldom rewarded. Daniel Agger had a decent opportunity with a free header, and there was almost a calamitous mistake from Steven Reid as he blundered in his six yard box, nearly scoring a comical own-goal. Flashes of genius from Luis Sùarez didn’t result in the usual end product, and as Liverpool headed into the tunnel for half-time there was an edge of anxiety around Anfield. Liverpool missed Daniel Sturridge, who was out with a hamstring injury, who has shown an eye for goal and a willingness to latch onto the unchallenged crosses. The highlight of the half: Sùarez’s Rabona cross.
At the beginning of the second half Liverpool re-emerged with the worrying statistic overhead; they have lost 6 of the past 10 games where the half-time score has been 0-0. The start of the second half was similar to the end of the first-half, steady and constant pressure without a result. Raheem Sterling and Fabio Borini replaced Jordan Henderson and Jonjo Shelvey. More clear-cut chances were being created as Steven Gerrard was denied by a fine save from Ben Foster, who looked impressive throughout the evening. Borini had half a chance, but it just wouldn’t go in for Liverpool. West Brom had withdrawn into their own half by the 70th minute, and the atmosphere was increasing by the minute as frustration grew.
Finally, in the 75th minute, Liverpool’s pressure was rewarded with a clumsy tackle from Jonas Olsson, resulting in Jon Moss pointing to the spot. The captain stepped up but was denied by a class, low save from the brilliant Ben Foster, who saved down to his left. Coutinho’s arrival from Inter Milan saw the end of Stewart Downing’s night but sparked excitement in the terraces and he was greeted with a warm reception from the Kop.
Mulumbu struck a fine shot which was brilliantly denied by Reina in a rare West Brom attack. The resulting corner presented West Brom with their best and only their second chance of the game, and they gladly took it. Gareth McAuly smashing a header in off the bar; Daniel Agger slightly at fault after losing his man. Despite the domination in statistical terms, West Brom were ahead at a subdued Anfield.
The final few minutes offered little for the neutral and frustration for Liverpool fans. The presence of Romelu Lukaku gave West Brom a priceless outlet, which paid dividends in the 90th minute when he coolly tucked away to secure the visitors a remarkable victory and to finish their poor run of recent form. The clatter of seats as the fans expressed their dissatisfaction was matched with the clatter of dreams of an improved and respectable league position.
The final whistle was matched with boos from the home crowd and cheers of delight from the away fans. Liverpool drop down to 9th place in the Premier League, thanks to an admirable performance from the West Brom players, in particular Ben Foster. Liverpool have a lot of work to do.
