Reds survive late scare to go second in Premier League
Liverpool survived a late scare as they held on to beat West Brom 2-1 in the Premier League at Anfield.
The Reds appeared to be cruising to an emphatic win after first-half goals from Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho did the damage.
However, Jurgen Klopp's side missed a stack of chances and ended up surviving a nervy finale after Gareth McAuley pulled one back.
A two-goal win would have put Liverpool top but instead they sit second to Arsenal on goal difference.
Klopp made just one change from the frustrating stalemate with Manchester United as Adam Lallana returned at the expense of Daniel Sturridge.
West Brom set their stall out from the start as they defended in numbers and launched it long in search of lone frontman Salomon Rondon.
For 20 minutes Liverpool struggled to break them down with James Milner nodding over from Jordan Henderson's cross.
It was always going to take something special to find a way through and the Reds provided it with a goal of the highest quality.
Coutinho's intelligence and awareness was key as he dummied Milner's pass and Emre Can surged forward. The German released Roberto Firmino down the left and his cross dropped perfectly for Mane to fire past Ben Foster.
Energised by the breakthrough, Liverpool raised the bar and threatened to blow the Baggies away.
Lallana curled over the bar before the second goal arrived 10 minutes before the break.
Foster sliced a clearance high into the air and after it bounced off Darren Fletcher, the Reds pounced. Mane played in Coutinho, who cut inside past Craig Dawson and kept his composure to beat the keeper at his near post.
Pulis' master plan lay in tatters and there was no let up from the dominant hosts.
Just before the hour mark Mane and Coutinho combined to set up Firmino, whose effort was blocked.
Foster then produced a fine save to keep out Dejan Lovren's glancing header from Coutinho's free-kick.
Can was much improved following his performance against United but he should have had a goal to show for his efforts.
Coutinho put it on a plate for him in front of the Kop but Can allowed Jonas Olsson to deny him.
The away end celebrated when West Brom broke off the shackles to earn their first corner of the night with 21 minutes to go.
Substitute Chris Brunt's delivery was nodded away by Firmino. It dropped to the feet of Nacer Chadli, who scooped it wide under pressure.
From a position of total control, Liverpool got sloppy and paid the price on 81 minutes.
Loris Karous kept out McAuley's header at the far post but from the ensuing corner the Reds' lead was halved.
They didn't deal with Brunt's corner and McAuley drilled home from close range.
Suddenly, the nerves were jangling but Liverpool dug deep to get the job done.
Source: Liverpool Echo
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.