Liverpool bagged all three points against West Bromwich Albion thanks to a 2-1 victory at home. Liverpool started the game strongly and were the stronger side for most of the game. Sadio Mane opened the scoring with one of the finest moves of the season. Philippe Coutinho doubled the lead with an assist from Sadio Mane as he slotted home in Ben Foster's near post as the Reds went into the break with a two goals lead.
Also read: EPL 2016/17: Liverpool 2-1 West Bromwich Albion - Player Ratings
The Baggies came back into the game thanks to Gareth McCauley's goal in the 82nd minute but could not get another goal to return home with a point.
Let's take a look at the five talking points from the game at Anfield:
#1 Liverpool back on track
The Reds had failed to win against Tony Pulis in the last eight games but finally found a way to beat the Baggies as Pulis’ well drilled ten man defence was broken down by Klopp's men. The Reds were expected to struggle on Saturday like they did against a similar playing Manchester United but Klopp's starting lineup was close to perfect to beat a resolute West Brom side.
Roberto Firmino's fluidity as a forward meant that the Baggies centre backs couldn't lay a hand on him along with Sadio Mane's pace on the right coupled with Coutinho's creativity from the left. The trio were also supported by the deep runs from Emre Can and Adam Lallana as the Reds had a superb first 45 minutes. Liverpool could have gone on top yesterday if they hadn't conceded a late goal but still are joint leaders, with Arsenal being ahead on goal difference.
#2 West Brom took advantage of Liverpool's achilles heel
Set pieces have made Liverpool lose many points in the recent past with West Brom taking full use of that as the Baggies fought their way back into the game in the last 15 minutes. West Brom won a corner in the 81st minute and they scored from the subsequent corner thanks to McAuley who received a gracious second ball as both Roberto Firmino and Dejan Lovren went for the ball which enabled West Brom to score.
Tony Pulis' side had yet another brilliant chance just after their goal with yet another second ball falling to Hal Robson-Kanu but the Welshman had his shot blocked by Lovren. Though Liverpool did not concede a corner or a set-piece in a dangerous area in the first half, the defence still looked shaky in the crunch moments of the second half.
#3 It was a Philippe Coutinho show yet again
The Brazilian had always received criticism over his consistency in the previous seasons but is silencing all his critics with a stellar season which is seeing his importance to this Liverpool team increasing leaps and bounds. He started on the left side against the Baggies and scored a delightful goal after faking two West Brom defenders before finishing calmly into the corner.
His role in the first goal was even more magical as he did an outrageous dummy to release Emre Can which resulted in Liverpool's first goal. Whether from the midfield or from the left wing, Coutinho is pulling the strings for the Reds and the Brazilian is garnering interest from the big boys in Spain with every match-winning performance.
#4 Pulis did the right thing in substituting Claudio Yacob at halftime
The Argentine starting in his favoured defensive midfielder role was chasing shadows in the first half as Liverpool's attackers ran all around him and he couldn't muster anything inspiring for the Baggies. He was not able to track runs from Liverpool's midfielders as the Reds completely dominated West Brom in the first half.
He received a booking for dissent in the first half and Pulis was greatly frustrated by his experienced player finally deciding to replace him with Chris Brunt.
Yacob will serve a one-match suspension as he received his first yellow card of the season and was rightly subbed off in the break as he would have gone on to make matters worse for the Baggies with a possible red card. Pulis did a fine job in restricting Liverpool from an onslaught and had chances to level the game in the last 10 minutes.
#5 Daniel Sturridge has to be content with a place on the bench
Under Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool relied heavily on their talented striker and suffered when Sturridge was injured but Klopp seems to have vanished that reliance as the German opted for Roberto Firmino as a forward ahead of Sturridge since taking over.
Klopp has said many times that he rates Sturridge very highly but the German needs more than just a striker in a no.9 role which is perfectly epitomised by Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian's movement, work rate and vision is second to none as he gives more to the team currently than the Englishman. Sturridge started against Manchester United but could not influence the proceedings against a back six. He cut a sorry figure on the bench against West Brom but he is too good a player to be ignored for long and he is still a vital player for the Reds and will be needed if Liverpool are going to challenge for the title.
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