Woe for the Reds: Liverpool Fall to West Brom at Home

Liverpool 0:1 West Brom

Odemwingie (75')

It was the same old song and dance for Liverpool on Sunday as Roy Hodgson made his return to Anfield with West Brom. Maxi returned to the starting XI, while Steven Gerrard was left off the roster entirely, watching from the stands next to Charlie Adam, as a precaution.

Liverpool dominated early on, their first good chance coming in the 10th minute as Luis Suarez found Dirk Kuyt inside the box, though Kuyt sent the ball soaring past West Brom's goal. Opportunity knocked again for the Reds, Suarez finding an opening and sending an excellent ball across the front of the goal, though none of his teammates were able to capitalize and provide a finish. Moments later, Maxi was brought down inside the box by West Brom's Billy Jones, but to no effect as calls for a penalty went unheeded.

Despite Liverpool's domination of possession, West Brom's Shane Long was able to beat Daniel Agger to the ball in mid-air, sending a header to Chris Brunt, whose low shot was brilliantly saved by Pepe Reina, el capitán for the match. Agger, meanwhile, nearly made up for missing out on a clearance just before the break, though his low shot was blocked by Foster.

 

The second half was much the same for Liverpool, their inability to finish becoming increasingly frustrating. Suarez sent a lovely ball across the goal front yet again, and, yet again, no one could get a decent touch on it. Jordan Henderson was up next, starting Liverpool's next attempt with an interchange as slick as his 50's 'do with Suarez before setting up Andy Carroll, who sent the ball in well, getting past Foster, only to continue Liverpool's torrid love affair with the crossbar. Suarez and Kuyt linked up again, only to have Kuyt hit the post this time. Carroll and Spearing both found themselves in chaos-at-the-goal-front moments, only to have attempts blocked.

Liverpool's woes intensified in the 75' as Mulumbu pounced on Glen Johnson's clearance, feeding the ball to Odemwingie, who was able to make it past Reina.

West Brom's win puts them in 10th place, while Liverpool failed to capitalize on the chance to pull ahead of Everton in the table. The loss will certainly signal a busy transfer window for Liverpool as they look for another striker but also sheds light on the Red's form at home, which is in dire need of attention.

Kenny's men will be able to put their poor form at Anfield behind them as they take on Norwich at Carrow Road next.

Next Match:

Norwich City v Liverpool. Saturday, April 28. 12:30 PM EST.

written by Yasmien Mizyed