Some dodgy defensive work and a late Divock Origi strike saw Liverpool draw 2-2 at home to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool 2-2 West Brom
Premier League – Anfield – Sunday 13th December 2015
Goals: Henderson 21′, Origi 90+6′; Dawson 30′, Olsson 73′
Heading into Sunday’s much-anticipated Premier League clash, supporters were buoyed by two star names on the teamsheet, with both Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho returning to Jurgen Klopp‘s starting lineup in the league.
The real captain finally back! @JHenderson @twt_liverpool
— U K ? I L (@ukailnasir) December 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/Anfield_America/status/676057352106336256
https://twitter.com/LFCChris_/status/676054204818046976
Their presence could not boost the work rate of a poor Christian Benteke however, with the Belgian beginning the gain in familiar, lethargic form.
Benteke just controlled the ball & immediately lost possession on halfway line – resulting in a 10-second bollocking from Klopp.
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) December 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/jacklusby_/status/676070622397640704
Nevertheless, Liverpool began with a series of strong attacking moves, looking to punish Boaz Myhill early on.
Seen more in 10 minutes than I did in 90 vs Newcastle. #LFC
— Tom McMahon (@tomjpmac) December 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/Saki_LFC/status/676072569590685696
#coutinho! Would have been a great volley just over the bar #lfc #LIVWBA
— LFCZA ?? (@LFCZA) December 13, 2015
It took just over 20 minutes for Henderson to get his name on the scoresheet, finishing off an exceptional team move to put Liverpool 1-0 up.
Henderson scores on his comeback, great run into the box and sweeps home after a Lallana knock down
— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) December 13, 2015
What a lovely goal by Hendo!
— Luke (@LFCLuke95) December 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/Saki_LFC/status/676074435724632065
Henderson! A captain's return indeed!
— Leroy | LFC Impulse (@LFCImpulse) December 13, 2015
Lallana won a header tho. Pulis must be fuming.
— Joseph Cousins (@JCuzzy1) December 13, 2015
Great run, great goal! #LFC
— Mike Yates (@MikeYates5) December 13, 2015
But just nine minutes later an abject Simon Mignolet failed to deal with a Baggies set piece, with Craig Dawson benefiting from a kindly bounce in the box to level the scores.
Defensive shambles. Again
— Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) December 13, 2015
Sell Mignolet at HT
— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) December 13, 2015
This left the Liverpool support understandably deflated as Craig Pawson blew for half-time.
That was three Mignolet brainfarts away from being a decent enough half. Still concerned about Benteke's movement in the box.
— Colin Spreag (@ColinSpreag) December 13, 2015
Should be winning this easy, West Brom are not threat at all except on set pieces..which we can't defend at all
— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) December 13, 2015
This game is winnable but #LFC have to stop giving away stupid free-kicks.
— Paul Grech (@paul_grech) December 13, 2015
Unsurprisingly, this translated into the Reds’ performance, with the opening stages of the second half mustering a stale performance, which Klopp looked to counter by introducing Jordon Ibe.
The scores are level at Anfield, but #LFC have enjoyed 19 shots to #WBA's two thus far. Reds need to kill these sorts of games off.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) December 13, 2015
.@IbeJordon getting stripped to come on. @LFC need some penetration from somewhere.
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) December 13, 2015
It was West Brom who would have the next say, however, with Jonas Olsson heading Tony Pulis’ side ahead on 73 minutes.
We should just pack it in. Terrible.
— Sai (@TheEngancheRole) December 13, 2015
So, so typical. Game over.
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) December 13, 2015
If BR was still in charge I'd be asking if we work on set pieces in training.
— Joseph Cousins (@JCuzzy1) December 13, 2015
This was followed by a disgusting challenge from West Brom midfielder Craig Gardner, which left Dejan Lovren writhing on the floor, with the Croatian stretchered off to be replaced by Origi.
Klopp incensed by a challenge by Gardner on Lovren, The Liverpool defender is set to be carried off.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) December 13, 2015
Looks like Lovren is in a bad way. Stretcher is on
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) December 13, 2015
Real pain for Lovren by the looks
— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) December 13, 2015
Reckless challenge by Gardner – who goes through the ball and into Lovren's left knee leaving defender in agony. Stretcher on. Call for Kolo
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) December 13, 2015
I hope Lovren is okay because he has been outstanding recently.
— Luke (@LFCLuke95) December 13, 2015
Gardner should be banned for that. Horrible
— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) December 13, 2015
Origi brought an energy to a Liverpool attack desperately seeking an equaliser, and 15 minutes after his arrival the Belgian saw his long-range effort deflected beyond Myhill to seal a priceless point for the Reds.
DIVOCK THE CASBAH
— nate (@natefc) December 13, 2015
Left it late but that will do nicely to equalise when time looked like it was running out for a defeat! Go on Origi lad!!
— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) December 13, 2015
Can you smell what DIVOCK is cooking? #LFC
— Jack Williams (@JLWi11iams) December 13, 2015
Origi > Benteke
— sabah (@Sabah07) December 13, 2015
That goal could prove crucial come May!
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) December 13, 2015
Though this late goal left supporters in high spirits, a measure of realism was required.
Hard task to get top 4. This wasn't 1 point gained even if it feels like it, it was 2 points dropped.
— Red (@TaintlessRed) December 13, 2015
Still a poor game and a poor result. But important to get that late equaliser.
— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) December 13, 2015
Not a knee jerk, but none of the following are good enough for LFC
Mignolet
Skrtel
Lovren
Milner
Lallana
Benteke— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) December 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/Brenzie/status/676098936403312641
After losing to Newcastle United the previous weekend, this stalemate will be a bitter blow for Klopp and his side as they look to challenge for a top-four finish this season.
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