It seem such a long time ago since that good away result at Sunderland with the international break seeming such a long one. Liverpool back in action away to former manager Roy Hodgson's West Brom side who remain unbeaten since he took over. Liverpool went into the game full of confidence and with a good record against West Brom having not lost against them in the Premiership. But the big story in the build up to the match was obviously to do with Roy Hodgson playing against Liverpool for the first time since his departure.
THE TEAM
Kenny kept an unchanged side from the Sunderland winning team, mainly due to the fact that Gerrard re-injured his groin at training on Friday. But it was pleasing to see Dalglish keeping a settled side and especially good to see Carroll and Suarez paired together up front as they continue to develop their new partnership. I thought it was as strong a side as Kenny could field and well capable of beating West Brom.
THE MATCH
Liverpool started the match well with Kuyt going close on 2 minutes after Carroll had flicked on a Meireles corner. West Brom showed their physical approach with some tough challenges in the early stages. But Liverpool were dealt a blow in 8 minutes when Glen Johnson pulled up with a hamstring injury being replaced by Kyrgiakos with Agger moving out to left back.
Kuyt then went close dragging his shot wide after being played through by Suarez. On 24 minutes Liverpool were dealt another injury blow when Agger had to leave the field, Danny Wilson replaced him at left back and was instantly called into action with a good clearance to prevent Brunt from going through on goal.
Liverpool lost their way with the substitutions and Reid saw a header well saved by Reina as West Brom started to dictate the play. Reina made another good save as Skrtel almost headed into his own net. At the other end Carroll picked up a booking as he showed his frustration. Liverpool were quite happy to go in 0-0 at the half as Liverpool lost their way after a good start.
Right at the start of the second half Cox almost scored for the home side when he turned Kyrgiakos and got a shot on target which Reina did well to parry. Liverpool had the next chance when Carroll hit a rasping shot from the edge of the box which was well saved by Carson. From the resulting corner Liverpool took the lead when Martin Skrtel powered a header past the helpless Carson.
Kuyt tried to make it two but flashed an ambitious effort wide of goal. Wilson then made a superb clearing header as West Brom pressed. The home side did draw level when Odemwingie turned Kyrgiakos on the edge of the box and the big Greek lunged in with a desperate tackle which referee Atkinson deemed a penalty. Brunt made no mistake from the spot.
Odemwingie then had a fierce shot well saved by Reina as the home side looked to take the lead. Liverpool had the next chance when Suarez teed up Meireles who blasted over. Odemwingie was causing Liverpool all sorts of problems and he looked like scoring but for one of those famous last ditch Carragher blocks.
But just as it looked like finishing 1-1 Liverpool were dealt a final blow when a long ball through the middle wasn't dealt with by Kyrgiakos allowing Odemwingie through with only Reina to beat, but as he cut inside Reina, Reina trailed a leg which tripped the West Brom man up resulting in a penalty, which Brunt dispatched once again giving the Baggies a lead with time running out. Liverpool came close to equalising with Suarez so unlucky having an attempt cleared off the line right at the death.
SUMMARY
It was such a disappointing defeat especially after taking the lead at the start of the second half. Liverpool started the match well and Kuyt should have scored early on but the injuries did disrupt the defence as it looked extremely dodgy under pressure especially in the second half. Kyrgiakos struggled with the pace of the West Brom attack. Spearing and Lucas were very quiet and not enough service given to Suarez and Carroll. I have to be honest though about the referee Atkinson I thought he was a joke, he was so one sided it was untrue, some of the challenges the West Brom defenders were getting away with was ahocking and I don't think I've seen such a one sided refereeing performance. But I do think the referee was right to give the two penalties as they both resulted in poor defending. A very bad result and I believe that is our hopes of European football next season over.
Man Of The Match - Reina I thought he kept us in the match with some great saves.
YNWA
Hi Jamie
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest and say that I did not see the game but I did catch the highlights and was not impressed at all by what I say. Odemwingie is a jeckel and hyde type player but seems to like playing against us.
That is now two pens Kyriakos has conceded in as many games and is fast becoming a liability in the defence. It was a huge blow to lose Johnson and Agger early in the game and I really feel for Agger but surely we must be close to conceding that we may never get the best from him with his constant injuries..
Again we do not have the strnght in depth to change a game when needed and find ourselves struggling on when we are in dire need of a boost. Pepe was visibly annoyed by the concession of both pens, but I wonder is it out of passion or frustration...will he remain at Liverpool come the summer, I think not...