Full Time: West Bromwich Albion 0-1 Liverpool
Liverpool clinched a hard fought 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Sunday afternoon, to keep their top-four challenge on track.
The Baggies produced typically organized performance and neither side enjoyed many chances in first half. But it was Roberto Firmino who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, heading in following James Milner’s free-kick. Nacer Chadli and Matt Phillips missed out on fine opportunities in the second period, as Liverpool held on to extend their unbeaten run in the league to seven games.
Jurgen Klopp’s side moved back into the third place ahead of Manchester City, having played a game more, to strengthen their claim for a Champions League spots.
Here is how the Liverpool players fared on the day:
Liverpool Player Ratings
Simon Mignolet – 7/10
Did not have a lot to do in the early parts of the game. Showed good assurance on set-pieces. Made a brilliant stop from a one-on-one situation against Matt Phillips late in the game to keep his team ahead.
Nathaniel Clyne – 6/10
Extremely solid at the back, but the former Southampton man did not threaten as much going forward as he looked to play it safe on most occasions.
Joel Matip – 7/10
Looked so calm and composed with the ball at his feet. Made sure Hal-Robson Kanu did not get much joy. Another accomplished performance from the Cameroonian.
Dejan Lovren – 5/10
Did not have a lot to do defensively with West Brom hardly threatening. But it was his passing that let him down throughout the game. Gave away the ball cheaply quite a few times, played it out of play under no pressure whatsoever.
James Milner – 6/10
It was his free-kick that led to Firmino’s opener, but they weren’t always as accurate. Missed a sitter in the second period to put his side two ahead.
Lucas Leiva – 6/10
Did a decent job in the defensive half and played a crucial role in the goal as it was his flicked header that set up Firmino to head home.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10
Kept it simple in the middle of the park and kept Liverpool ticking over. Did the dirty work well. An okay performance.
Emre Can – 8/10
Was the beating heart of the Liverpool midfield. Went into battles and won them more often than not, breaking up play and helping his side move upfield.
Roberto Firmino – 7/10
Was a constant menace with his running all game and showed good awareness to take his goal on the verge of half-time.
Divock Origi – 7/10
Led the line well and asked plenty of questions with weaving runs. Won plenty of free-kicks in dangerous areas. Good physically and technically.
Philippe Coutinho – 6.5/10
Created a number of chances for his teammates, but on quite a few occasions tried to do too much by himself. Not his best day.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge – NA
Replaced Origi in the 82nd minute.
Alberto Moreno – NA
Came on for Coutinho in injury time.