Introduction
The Defending Champions Liverpool who are also the current league leaders will surely be disappointed
after not getting the crucial 3 points over current relegation positioned club West Bromwich Albion. And on the other side, Sam Allardyce will happily leave the hosts den by spoiling their successive winning run. Yet it is evident that Liverpool will remain as group toppers for this week despite getting stuck by the visitors West Bromwich Albion.
Lineups
Liverpool
Formation:4-3-3
Goalkeeper-Alisson
Defenders-Alexander Arnold, Matip(Rhys Williams 60′), Fabinho, Robertson.
Midfield-Curtis Jones(Oxlade Chamberlain 83′),Henderson,Wijnaldum.
Attack-Salah, Firmino (Origi 90′),Mane
West Bromwich Albion
Formation:4-5-1
Goalkeeper-Johnstone
Defender-Gibbs, O’Shea, Ajayi, Furlong.
Midfield-Diangana ,Gallagher(Ivanovic 90′),Sawyers, Phillips, Robinson(Pereira 73′).
Attack-Ahearne-Grant(Austin 78′)
First Half
Liverpool dominated the entire first half with their pretty known press. From the first blow of the whistle to the end of the first half it seemed to be impactful channelization of dressing room tactics. The first half entirely became a battleground of attack versus defense. The Senegal boy Mane’s chest trapped and hit the net from a precise pass of Matip in the 12th minute. It was an eventful first half, with a ball possession of 82:18 percent, which had gone in the favour of the hosts. West Bromwich Albion was happy to walk back into the changing room after conceding the only goal.
Second Half
The tale of the second half was completely different. The visitors came out of the changing room with a completely changed mindset. From the kickoff of the second half, they were looking more energized as their perished feet were looking magically replenished. The West Bromwich Albion midfield was looking more stable, they were helping to counter and build the attack. They got their reward soon, Pereira took a short corner and received it back, whipped an outstanding inswing cross near the box, and Ajayi with a brilliant header hits the side of the bar dripping it to the nets.
At the ending minutes of regulation time play and just before getting subbed Bobby created an opportunity to open the mouth of the net, but fails to convert it in front of the hand of Johnstone. The only player to receive a yellow card in this match was O’Shea(56′) over a serious tackle made on Henderson. Kloop was also booked in today’s match.
Conclusion
The game was crucial from the perspective of both teams. While one was playing to widen their gap at the top, the other was playing to uplift their points to avoid relegation. Today’s results haven’t created any chance of impact on the points table. Liverpool holding their top position by 3 points margin from their nearest table opponents Everton.While West Bromwich Albion is in the same position(19th) like before today’s match.
