West Brom staged a late comeback from a two goal deficit to share the points with Liverpool, however it is more than likely they will be relegated on Sunday when Swansea City take on champions Manchester City.
The two teams emerged from the tunnel in glorious sunshine before the early kick off, a game that the visitors, Liverpool, were outright favourites to win, with a staggering 46 points separating the sides. It wasn’t too long before the visitors struck, Mane skipped easily passed Rodriquez, crossed, a touch from Wijnaldum then fell into the path off Danny Ings, who slotted Liverpool in front, four minutes in. The Englishman, who was making just his second start under Jurgen Klopp, stroked home for his first goal since October 2015. His last coming in a Merseyside derby under Brendan Rodgers, ending 1-1.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite an early goal, Albion were managing to match Liverpool, competing for the ball and creating chances. The first of many, created by Rodriguez fell to Phillips, who cut inside and had his shot gathered easily by Karius. Seconds later the impressive Livermore put in a deep ball to the back post, where he found Mclean, who flashed a volley right across goal, with Rodriguez closing in. After a flurry of action from the Albion offensive, Foster was called into action at the other end making a tremendous point blank save to deny Danny Ings a second. It was the infamous Mohamed Salah causing the all the trouble, skipping past the two Albion defenders. Allan Nyom tried his luck from 35 yards but missed and his chance went wide. The half-time whistle went and Danny Ings’s goal separated the two sides at the break.
The second half took some time before springing to life. Early on in the second half, Ings was complaining over an alleged punch from Hegazi, and replays suggest there is a jab from the Egyptian, retrospective ban incoming? After 66 minutes played, Jurgen Klopp made his first substitutes, Roberto Firmino and Oxlade Chamberlian taking the place of Ings and Mane. Moments later Liverpool doubled their lead. The goalscorer, Salah, obviously. Albion were poor at the back yet again, as Oxlade-Chamberlain slipped Mo a simple ball and he cheekily lifted the ball over Foster in-front of the travelling support, equaling the Premier League goal scoring record (31).
Embed from Getty ImagesOut of the blue, Albion were back in it. A 79th minute corner from Brunt caused havoc in the box, Dawson’s initial shot was saved before Livermore tucked home from close in. Game on! Klopp removed Salah from the action, after 84 minutes played. With momentum on their side and along with the voice of the home crowd, Albion pushed for the equaliser. Then in the 88th minutes Brunt swung in a teasing free-kick after a Joe Gomez foul, Rondon rose well to head past the stranded Karius: 2-2. Four minutes were added on and the home crowd were buoyant, singing “There’s only one big Dave!”
What the managers say
West Brom caretaker manager Darren Moore:
“We’re really delighted. Another positive result and solid performance against a very good team. Today we’ve earned that result. The support, players and staff have all come together.
“The big thing for me is the togetherness.”
On the permanent manager’s job: “I keep saying it’s about the next game. I’ve been told I’ve got the six games. We move on to next week.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp:
“When you play football you need a normal pitch, when it gets drier it’s not good for the football-playing side.
“Each club can decide it like they want. If West Brom want to have more possession next year in the Championship I’m sure the pitch will be watered.”
On Danny Ings’ first goal in more than two years: “It’s of course nice for Danny. He could have scored a second and could have had a penalty. It’s a good step for Danny.”
Written by Will Chattell.
