Disciplined, dogged and gritty. Those are probably the best three words to describe Liverpool’s performance against West Brom. It was by no means the eye-catching, fluid football we’ve come to expect from Jurgen Klopp’s side, but a moment of quality from Roberto Firmino was enough to seal another three points and bring The Reds a step closer to Champions League qualification.
Simon Mignolet – 8
Had very little to do in between the sticks, but when he was called upon he delivered in fine fashion. Last weekend, Mignolet pulled off a tremendous close range save to prevent Saido Berahino from levelling the scores, and the Belgian was on hand with another crucial stop at The Hawthorns.
When Matt Philipps was slotted through on goal with 10 minutes to go, an equaliser seemed inevitable. However, Mignolet made himself big and got down well to stifle the shot. Yet another important stop at a crucial time for Liverpool. The onslaught of long balls in the final stages was also well dealt with.
Rest assured, it the side go on to secure a top-four finish, a lot of credit should be pointed in the way of the Belgian shot-stopper.
Nathaniel Clyne – 6
The right-back was caught out of position when West Brom managed to hit on the counter. Grew into the game in the second half and produced a decent display overall.
Joel Matip – 8
Another authoritative performance from the centre-half. Brought the ball down well and showed a calm head in possession, while also using his aerial ability to get rid of the long balls into the box that became a feature of West Brom’s play in the final stages.
Dejan Lovren – 8
Produced a solid display alongside Matip in the heart of Liverpool’s defence. Like his partner, he dealt well with balls into the box and headed it out of the danger area. There were a couple of sloppy passes that fell kindly for the home side, but nothing too disastrous. The result means that Liverpool are unbeaten this season when Matip and Lovren have featured together in defence.
James Milner – 7
Milner missed a terrific chance in the second half to double the lead and it could have come back to haunt them, but for Mignolet’s heroics. Struggled to deal with the pace of Matt Philipps at times, restricting him to playing inside his own half rather than getting up in support of the attack. Nonetheless, another solid performance.
Lucas Leiva – 7
Produced a wonderful flick on to set up Roberto Firmino for the goal, capping off another impressive display in front of the back four. The Brazilian showed good awareness throughout the match, dealing well with West Brom’s physicality. Received a trademark yellow card after 72 minutes but showed good composure and a cool head to keep his discipline.
Emre Can – 8
Yet another performance that makes you question why Liverpool are yet to tie Emre Can down to a new contract. Put in a great shift and provided the energy from midfield to put The Reds on the front foot in the second half. His presence and grit were key to stifling the home side.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7
It was a performance that will likely go under the radar, alongside many of his previous displays since moving to Anfield. The Dutchman was dogged in his duties, emphasised by his hold up play in the final stages of the game to relieve some of the pressure on the back four. Unlike Moreno, he kept his head when Ben Foster was out of goal and retained possession to calm the game down. A good display.
Philippe Coutinho – 7
Dangerous in possession, especially in the first half and was key whenever Liverpool had the chance to break. Replaced by Alberto Moreno late in the second half with Klopp mindful of West Brom’s growing pressure.
Roberto Firmino – 7
His header right on the cusp of half-time proved pivotal to the outcome of the match. Had few clear cut chances in the match but did well to track back and give Liverpool an extra man in midfield at times.
Divock Origi –Â 7
It was always going to be a tough task for Origi to lead the line on his own against a tough West Brom defence, but the Belgian rose to the occasion admirably. He showed a great deal of strength in his hold-up play before bringing his teammates into the game.
Substitutions
Daniel Sturridge – 6
Didn’t have much opportunity to impact the game, especially when Alberto Moreno decided to go for the spectacular instead of slotting Sturridge in for an easy goal. Will be hoping for more chances in the coming games.
Alberto Moreno – 6
Produced a good tackle to set Liverpool up for a dangerous counter-attack in the closing stages but failed to square for his teammates, instead opting to shoot from 45 yards out. The decision shows his lack of maturity and it could have cost Klopp’s side dearly. Same old Albi.
You’re telling me that Can, Matip, and Lovren had better performance than Firmino? How could Firmino’s performance today be on the same scale as Milner? Created 5 chances, scored, should have had an assist. What game were you watching? Firmino and Mignolet should be an 8-8.5.