Liverpool missed the opportunity to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points ahead of city rivals Everton after making a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion.
The champions had a crushing advantage in the first half and took the lead early with a goal by Sadio Mane in the 12th minute. However, Sam Allardyce’s team lasted until the break, after which they acted much bolder in the second half.
Liverpool played much worse and were punished in the 82th minute after Semi Ajayi header. The hosts had claims for a foul, but the goal was counted. Liverpool managed to hit only two accurate shots for the entire match, although they controlled the ball almost 80% of the time. In the end, the plan of Sam Allardyce, who has not lost to Anfield for the fourth consecutive game, succeeded.
There was another bad news for Jurgen Klopp after Joel Matip suffered another injury and was substituted. With that the situation at the back is not critical as Liverpool don’t have a single center-back for next game against Newcastle.
Jurgen Klopp made two changes compared to the crushing 7-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Mohamed Salah returned to the attacking trio at the expense of Takumi Minamino. Curtis Jones replaced Naby Keita in the midfield. James Milner and Xherdan Shaqiri have recovered from their injuries, but remained on the bench.
The advantage of the champions in the first half was clear. Merseyside controlled the ball 78% of the time and created 10 goal positions, but managed to make only one accurate shot, which meant an advantage of only one goal at the break. Sadio Mane scored in the 12th minute. The Senegalese received a great long pass from Matip and after perfect first touch shot instantly from the air for 1:0.
Shortly before an hour of play, Joel Matip suffered another injury – a sprain in the groin, and was replaced by youngster Rhys Williams.
In the 65th minute Salah missed a great opportunity after being left alone for a header, but the ball went over the post. In the 72nd minute,West Bromwich got his first clear opportunity after Sawyers lobbed out a long pass to Grant, who overtook Rhys Williams, but Alison saved. Shortly afterwards, Trent Alexander-Arnold made a very good direct free kick, but the ball went inches above the crossbar.
This led to the 82nd minute,when after a corner Semi Ajayi jumped over Fabinho and intercepted the cross with a header, the ball hit the crossbarvand went into Alison’s goal for 1-1. Jurgen Klopp claimed that a foul had been committed against Fabinho, but the goal stayed.
With the draw Sam Allardyce won his first point as West Brom manager and remained undefeated by Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. Despite making 500 more passes than Albion, Liverpool could not capitalize by creating scoring chances.
