Once again, Liverpool finished in a stalemate, drawing against West Bromwich Albion 0-0 and slip down the table.
This goalless affair was another case of not taking chances that gave the Reds enough opportunity to win the match. While they did not lose and still gained a point, they failed to keep pace with their closest rivals, all of whom won. Had they won the derby, this fixture might not have mattered so much.
In a relatively flat game, Liverpool’s performance lacked lustre and rhythm. West Brom remained disciplined and were difficult to break down but a handful of chances found the Reds wanting. They failed to dominate in quite the same way they did at the weekend and a late goal ruled out only made the result that much more frustrating.
Dominic Solanke thought he had his first Premier League goal only to have it overturned because the ball touched his hand before crossing the line. While it was in no way intentional, as the ball rose up the striker’s body and deflected in a flash, the referee refused to let it be a deciding factor. While it might have been the right call it was disappointing for Solanke and the side.
Here are four findings from the match.
Fab four falter
It was bound to happen at some point. In what was arguably Liverpool’s best starting available XI, the foursome of Philippe Coutinho, Saido Mané, Roberto Firmino, and Mo Salah drew blank.
Despite driving forward early and often, they were unable to click in they way supporters expected. Everything was a little off, while the final ball eluded the Reds going forward nearly all night.
There will be justifiable criticism that Jurgen Klopp should have used this starting XI against Everton and ensured a win. Then this result against the Baggies might not have been quite as disappointing. Just as the timing of the front four was out of synch so seems the selections, at the minute. Yet, the starters on the pitch struggled to find ways to rally. Instead, they looked a jaded mentally.
Opposition obstacles
West Brom arrived at Anfield with an all too familiar game plan. Stay organised and solid at the back, lash it forward long on counterattacks, and look for opportunities on set pieces.
The Baggies played with significantly more intent than Everton but their chances were neither clear-cut nor particularly dangerous. However, given Liverpool’s tendency towards the individual error, even half a chance causes some concern.
Given the overall size of West Brom’s XI and the pace that they have up front, they offered some challenge and required concentration from the Liverpool’s defence to ensure there were no mistakes.
The back four was solid enough, despite midfielders, Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum labouring for most of the match.
Solanke suffering
After a decent performance by Dominic Solanke during his league debut against Everton, the youngster continued to show promise.
His size and positional sense provide a change for Liverpool’s attack, while his movement is not so dissimilar to Firmino that the whole setup requires change. Yet, the 20-year-old desperately needs to break his duck.
In all appearances so far, Solanke has looked the part with exception of putting one in the back of the net. There is no question chances have fallen to the forward. He has simply yet to finish emphatically.
The longer it takes, the more it may become a concern. In fairness, the chance that nearly lifted the Reds against West Brom was unlucky in a run where luck has already been lacking.
Candidate Karius
With Simon Mignolet picking up a slight knock on the weekend and the Champions League a couple of months away, Loris Karius got a rare league start.
The German keeper acquitted himself reasonably well in the outing. It was not perfect or mistake free but it was one of his stronger showings in some time. There is a chance that he might come good yet.
While he might not have released the ball quickly enough at times and even misjudged a couple of West Brom chances, he grew stronger in the game in terms of his command and quality.
He defended the set pieces with greater confidence that he has shown in the past. Given so many of his appearances have offered few tests, this one at least suggested that he might be prepared to meet some of them.