Despite the weight and expectation of the Champions League semifinal awaiting midweek, Jurgen Klopp took nothing for granted and sent out a strong side against the league’s lowest side. It should have proved enough for the result, but sloppiness left the Reds with a draw against West Bromwich Albion 2-2 at The Hawthorns.
As the business end of the season heats up, everyone in the squad becomes important. The fixture gave both fullbacks and Roberto Firmino a chance to rest. Given how much mileage those three positions rack up in this side, the changes made sense. In fact, for most of the match Danny Ings, Alberto Moreno, and Joe Gomez looked more than adequate.
With Sadio Mané and Mo Salah up front, Liverpool had more than enough firepower on the pitch. In fact, Mané continued to run the rule over the Reds, creating chances and carving up the opposition. The Reds should probably have entered the break more than a goal ahead but their dominance seemed sufficient. By the time Salah scored, a win seemed secure.
Still, West Brom’s desire to show respect and appreciation for their home supporters saw them never surrender completely. While plenty of pundits may talk of a Liverpool lapse to old defensive ways, this is far more indicative of a blip than build. It was a missed chance at taking all the points but should bear very little consequence.
Here are four findings from the match.
