Liverpool earn precious win as Firmino header proves the difference

A hard earned victory ended Tony Pulis' unbeaten home league record against the Reds as Jurgen Klopp's men climbed back into third place in the Premier League table with five matches remaining.

Brazil international Firmino bagged his 12th goal of the campaign seconds before half-time and Liverpool squandered some glorious chances to put the outcome beyond doubt.

As it was they endured a nervy finale with Simon Mignolet coming to the rescue but crucially they dug deep and got the job done.

Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva all returned to Klopp's starting line up in place of Ben Woodburn, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ragnar Klavan, who missed out due to a knee injury.

There was a let off for the visitors inside 90 seconds as Hal Robson-Kanu went close to converting Matt Phillips' scuffed shot.

However, Klopp's side soon settled and dominated possession as the Baggies sat deep, defended in numbers and challenged the Reds to break them down.

Firmino dragged narrowly wide after being teed up by Coutinho's inviting pass.

Unsurprisingly, West Brom looked most threatening from set-pieces. Gareth McAuley nodded down a free-kick into the path of Phillips. His cross put it on a plate for Nacer Chadli at the back post but to Liverpool's relief he kicked fresh air.

Divock Origi grew into the contest and started to cause the hosts' backline real problems, while Emre Can impressed once again in midfield.

Robson-Kanu burst between centre-backs Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip but fired tamely at Simon Mignolet.

A lacklustre opening 45 minutes was reaching a limp conclusion when Liverpool took the lead.

Chris Brunt was booked for pulling back Origi and James Milner made the free-kick count. His delivery was flicked on by Lucas and Firmino arrived at the far post to nod home his 12th goal of the season.

Buoyed by the breakthrough, Liverpool pushed forward in search of greater reward after the interval.

Firmino's cross picked out James Milner but with the net gaping six yards out he volleyed wastefully over.

Origi nodded home soon after following Firmino's header back across goal but the celebrations were curtailed by the offside flag.

Pulis brought on James Morrison, Salomon Rondon and James McClean in search of a way back into the contest.

The Baggies went increasingly route one but Liverpool's backline stood up to the challenge.

There was a scare with 10 minutes to go when Rondon picked out Phillips but Mignolet was off his line quickly to narrow the angle and make a vital block.

Daniel Sturridge replaced the impressive Origi as Klopp sought fresh legs late on.

During a frenetic finish keeper Ben Foster went up field and when Liverpool broke away substitute Alberto Moreno was faced with an open goal. From 35 yards out he inexplicably shot wide but the Reds had done enough.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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