Liverpool succumbed to their fourth away day draw of the season as they drew 1-1 at The Hawthorns on Sunday. The draw represents two points dropped for Liverpool following results going their way on Saturday. Liverpool are now just two points clear in 4th place, with next weekend’s game at home to Arsenal causing worry on the faces of many Liverpool fans.
The away side began the game with an unchanged side to that which beat city rivals Everton 4-0 on Tuesday evening. Having not secured the serviced of 24 year old Ukrainian winger Yehven Konoplyanka on Friday evening the result will add more frustration to the Liverpool fan base and no doubt manager Brendan Rodgers.
Liverpool struggled to get control of the game early on with the pitch adding to the frustration as the ball seemed to be up in the air more so than on the ground. Nevertheless some fine work from Raheem Sterling on the 24th minute smartly gave the ball to Luis Suarez who crossed to Daniel Sturridge who tapped in to score his 14th league goal of the season in 16 games.
As the first half progressed Liverpool began to take control of the game with captain Steven Gerrard excelling in his new defensive midfield role. Others impressed too, such as the much maligned Aly Cissokho at left back. Chances were few and far between though, with the only other chances of note of the half coming from purely executed costless kicks from Luis Suarez.
As the second half arrived West Brom upped their game, and new Baggies boss Pepe Mel’s substitution of young starlet Berahino for ex-Everton striker Anichebe enhanced the pressure being exerted by the home side. The pressure eventually resulted in goal, when Kolo Toure passed the ball across the 18 yard box and straight to the feet of Anichebe to hit the ball low and hard passed Simon Mignolet.
Following the goal Brendan Rodgers reacted by subbing off Coutinho and Flanagan and brought on Joe Allen and Martin to try and shore up the midfield battle and add height to their defensive line.
Nevertheless the substitutions were in vain as the game ended 1-1 in a poor game for the men in Red. With Arsenal on the horizon Brendan Rodgers will stress to his side the importance of now losing next week should they hope to remain favourites for fourth place.
