Wednesday 13 February 2013

West Brom v Liverpool

After throwing away another 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 this time against Man City, Liverpool travelled to face West Brom hoping to avoid being doubled after being humbled 3-0 at Anfield on the opening day of the season.

The night was devoted to the cause 'Seeing is Believing' and saw two players chalk up milestones as Glen Johnson started his 100th league game for Liverpool and Lucas made his 200th appearance for the club.

Phillipe Coutinho started on the bench while Jonjo Shelvey replaced the injured Daniel Sturridge in the attack.

Liverpool started well and even had the ball in the net after nine minutes after Foster saved Johnson's volley it fell to Shelvey who hit home only to have his effort ruled out due to being in an offside position. The pressure continued and Foster tipped over a Agger effort midway through the half and Suarez's outrageous rabona flick had Anfield stunned in admiration but no one could convert from his pass.

Downing cut in from the right and tested Foster from range but the attacks didn't seem to be as potent as they have been in recent weeks. West Brom came close to handing an opening goal to the hosts as Shelvey's low cross hit the leg of Steven Reid and looped agonisingly over the net leaving the teams level at the interval.

Liverpool began the second period well and Foster was forced to deny Gerrard from point-blank range and Henderson's back heeled chance before Shelvey guided Carragher's headed chance wide of the post as the momentum built for the home side.

On came Sterling and Borini in place of Henderson and Shelvey and the Italian went close to an instant impact but his shot on goal was an easy take for Foster which was easier than his next save from a stunning effort from Gerrard which took a strong save to deny an opening goal.

77 minutes gone and still no breakthrough but then Olsson shoved Suarez over in the box and Liverpool were awarded a penalty, up stepped Gerrard and Foster saved well to deny Gerrard yet again.

The penalty miss soon proved to be costly as from a corner in the 81st minute up popped McAuley to head in unmarked and leave all the home crowd stunned and give the visitors the lead.

Liverpool pushed for an equaliser but the game was over as a contest as stoppage time began as Lukaku raced clear to fire past Reina and condemn Liverpool to a defeat they really didn't deserve.

Rodgers mentioned that in recent weeks the team has progressed but personally I really don't see how blowing three consecutive games after dominating all the way through is progress. If luck had gone our way we would have taken nine points from three games and not a measly two. 

Next up is a tough trip to face Russian side Zenit St Petersburg in the last 32 of the Europa League and after impressive performances before their exit from the Champions League, Zenit are a team to be worried about especially when playing in Russia.





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