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Liverpool secure deserved 2-1 victory over West Brom

Philippe Coutinho's goal was his fifth of the season in all competitions for Liverpool-Reuters

Philippe Coutinho’s goal was his fifth of the season in all competitions for Liverpool-Reuters

Liverpool secured a deserved victory over West Brom, but conceded a late goal to miss out on going top of the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp’s team dominated at Anfield and took the lead as Sadio Mane steered in Roberto Firmino’s dinked cross.

Philippe Coutinho added a second when he picked up the ball from Mane, cut inside Baggies defender Gareth McAuley and shot into the bottom corner.

A two-goal victory would have taken Liverpool top, but McAuley denied them first place when he smashed in a late goal after the hosts failed to clear a corner.

Nevertheless, the victory extended their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions to leave them second in the Premier League table, behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference.

Liverpool have now scored 20 times in the Premier League this season – more than any other team – despite England international Daniel Sturridge failing to score in his seven league outings.

He did not feature as he was dropped to the substitutes’ bench at Anfield, but was not missed as his side dominated, having 21 shots on goal and 68% of possession.

Liverpool had further chances but Adam Lallana, recalled in place of Sturridge, curled over the bar and James Milner also headed off target.

The Baggies had goalkeeper Ben Foster to thank for keeping them in the game in the second half as he acrobatically pushed away Dejan Lovren’s header and also did well to save a Roberto Firmino effort.
West Brom create little but make Liverpool panic

But Liverpool failed to kill off the game and West Brom looked for an improbable equaliser despite previously having little of the ball and creating few chances.

Tony Pulis’s side had to wait until the 70th minute to have a shot when Nacer Chadli curled an effort over the top and McAuley’s late goal came from their only attempt on target.

Substitute Hal Robson-Kanu had a late opportunity, but his shot was blocked by Dejan Lovren. Anything other than a Liverpool victory would have been a injustice.

West Brom have only scored 10 goals in nine Premier League matches, with Saido Berahino a constant issue for Pulis.

The 23-year-old striker, who got 20 goals in all competitions back in 2014-15, has only netted one Premier League goal in 2016 and has been on placed on a fitness programme after being “eight pounds over his ideal weight”.

Yet again, he was not included in West Brom 18-man squad, but they need their striker back fit with the right attitude quickly. Salomon Rondon struggled to get in the game at Anfield and Robson-Kanu is yet to score since joining the Baggies in September.

-BBC

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