Liverpool dominated for most of the game and stood tall defensively late on to record an impressive 1-0 victory vs. West Brom that keeps them well on course for a top-four finish. For the second week in succession Simon Mignolet made a brilliant save to ensure that Roberto Firmino was the match winner.

Positives

Having reportedly spent a lot of time this week working on defending set pieces, Jurgen Klopp must have been delighted with how his side responded to the challenge posed by West Brom. Liverpool did well to keep the corner count down and those they did concede were dealt with comfortably enough.

Negatives

It's nitpicking, but not killing the game off when they were well on top could have proved costly on another day.

Manager rating out of 10

9 -- Prepared his team well through the week and his starting lineup and substitutions proved to be the right calls. A good day for Klopp and his team.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Simon Mignolet, 8 -- Was a spectator for most of the game, but rose to the challenge when needed in the closing stages. West Brom only created one clear chance on the day, but when they did he was there to thwart Matthew Phillips with an outstretched boot. Also made some important punches to clear the danger late on.

DF Nathaniel Clyne, 6 -- Was strong in his defensive work, but failed to make the most of some good attacking situations due to his habit of playing it too safe. Albion full-back Chris Brunt was on a booking and Clyne could have got at him had he shown a bit more conviction at times. Is capable of more in the final third than he's been showing of late.

DF Dejan Lovren, 7 -- May well have quite the headache after this considering how many times he had to head the ball away from long balls and crosses. Dealt with pressure very well and was untroubled on the ground, too, apart from one brief moment in the first half when he allowed Hal Robson-Kanu to get the wrong side of him.

DF Joel Matip, 7 -- Makes the game look so easy with his laid-back style and coolness in possession, but is rarely found wanting when it comes to the physical battles. Made numerous important headed clearances, especially after the break, but West Brom's one clear chance came when he was turned too easily by Salomon Rondon.

DF James Milner, 7 -- Defended stoutly, kept possession well and should have capped a good performance with a goal but unfortunately blasted over from close range.

MF Lucas Leiva, 7 -- Put in a typically dogged, unfussy performance. Began the game in midfield, but was almost operating as a third centre-back at times, especially late on.

MF Emre Can, 8 -- Produced another powerhouse performance and seemed to relish the physical battle against one of the Premier League's most robust teams. Was good on the ball and even better without it and has been Liverpool's best player over the past month or so.

MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 7 -- Whereas most of his teammates did their best work in the first hour of the game, he saved his best until late on when his extra stamina kicked in and saw him emerge as one of the game's most impressive performers. Showed great energy and composure to help the Reds see the game out.

FW Philippe Coutinho, 7 -- Started the game brightly and created a chance for Firmino after winning possession high up the field. Faded after the break and was eventually replaced by Alberto Moreno.

FW Roberto Firmino, 8 -- Scored the game's only goal with a well-taken header, having earlier fired a shot inches wide. Was brilliant for an hour or so, but understandably faded in the latter stages and was fortunate not to be punished when he lost the ball cheaply on the edge of his own penalty area in the last minute.

FW Divock Origi, 7 -- It's never easy for a striker going up against West Brom's physical defence, but he stood up to the challenge well and delivered the kind of performance that Liverpool needed. Worked hard, held the ball up and took the fight to West Brom before eventually being replaced by Daniel Sturridge late on.

Substitutes

FW Daniel Sturridge, N/R -- Replaced Origi for the closing stages, but with Liverpool forced onto the back foot by that point did not get much of a chance to shine.

MF Alberto Moreno, N/R -- Was only on the field for a few minutes and should have made the game safe when he did well to win the ball with Albion keeper Ben Foster stranded up field, but shot narrowly wide of the open goal.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by DAVID USHER

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