West Brom 2-2 Liverpool: Reds Let 2-goal Lead Slip
West Brom staged a dramatic comeback to earn a draw against Liverpool at the Hawthorns earlier in the day. Danny Ings fired Liverpool into an early lead with his first goal since October 2015 and Mohamed Salah scored his 31st Premier League goal of the season in the 72nd minute with a neat finish following an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain through ball.
With the game dead and buried, Jake Livermore got West Brom into the contest with a goal, scrambling home a corner in the 79th minute. With just two minutes of normal time remaining, Saloman Rondon scored a bullet header past goalkeeper Loris Karius from a Chris Brunt free-kick.
The Baggies can still be relegated but it was a well-deserved point against the Reds on Saturday.
Liverpool player ratings
Loris Karius – 6/10
Karius made a decent save in the first half but other than that was a mere spectator in the game. He had no chance with either goal.
Joe Gomez – 6/10
Gomez returned to the team after attaining full fitness and displayed a good performance. He coped well with McLean’s pace and kept him at bay. Got forward well on a number of occasions.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
Another commanding display from the big Dutchman! He was caught out of position once but he soon recovered. So composed, he became extra vigilant when the hosts pressed but couldn’t help the Reds earn a victory.
Ragnar Klavan – 6/10
Ragnar Klavan endured a tough time against the towering Rondon. Barring a few wobbly moments, the Estonian was decent.
Alberto Moreno – 4/10
It was not just the return Moreno had hoped for. The Spaniard was caught out of position way too often and struggled defensively. He looked like a man devoid of confidence, however, he slightly recovered after the interval.
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
Henderson worked tenaciously at the base of the midfield, supplying crosses on either flank and played some crisp passes.
James Milner – 6/10
Milner was his usual self against West Brom, working hard both on and off the ball. He was impressive in the first half but failed to influence the proceedings after the break.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 5/10
Wijnaldum had the chance to open the scoring for Liverpool but instead, he created it for Ings to finish. He worked hard and was decent overall but he certainly seems to lack the gusto.
Mohamed Salah – 7/10
Salah was not at his sublime best but when the moment came, he seized it. It was the Egyptian’s 31st goal in the league this season.
Sadio Mane – 6/10
Mane was in the thick of the action for Liverpool’s opener. Other than that, he rarely threatened and often cut an isolated figure before being replaced by Roberto Firmino.
Danny Ings – 7/10
What a relief for Ings to score his first goal after more than two years! He worked extremely hard and drew a fantastic save from Ben Foster before the interval.
Substitutes
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7/10
Oxlade-Chamberlain came on for Ings and in no time, he set up Salah for Liverpool’s second with a delightful through ball. A cameo worthy of a shout!
Roberto Firmino – 5/10
Firmino was involved in Salah’s goal but barring that, he failed to contribute when West Brom pressed.
Dejan Lovren – N/A
He failed to get across in time to prevent Rondon from scoring the equaliser.