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| Roy was all smiles on Sunday... |
Liverpool started without captain Steven Gerrard who was left out as a precaution according to manager Kenny Dalglish. Suarez and Carroll were opted up front with Kuyt and Maxi on the wings. Pepe Reina was also back between the sticks.
The first real chance for Liverpool fell to Dirk Kuyt who found himself in the area, his shot flew wide past the post and really he should have done better, but as always, it was too early to panic, or at least it would be for most teams because there was still plenty of time to grab a goal...
Later in the first half West Brom had a couple of great chances in the midst of a Liverpool attacking fest. The Baggies were denied though by two brilliant saves from Pepe Reina. Other than these two moments, West Brom had hardly anything of note to shout about and so it seemed as though Liverpool would eventually take the lead.
Liverpool were literally throwing everything at West Brom but the combination of their defence and Ben Foster meant Liverpool would need to work harder in order to break through. The Reds haven't been the most accurate of shooters in the Premier League and this game was no different considering the lads go on to hit the woodwork twice.
The second half started with no changes from either side. Andy Carroll was one of many players finding himself without any luck but the big man played an integral role on Sunday. He gave his all and didn't give up any chances, whenever he was unable to take a shot he made sure he set up play for somebody else, a great effort from the Geordie.
Just before the hour mark Dirk Kuyt was terribly unlucky when he found himself with another chance to put Liverpool ahead. His effort took a deflection but was still heading towards goal when it bounced back into play off the post. Quite clearly it wasn't going to be Liverpool's day.
Jordan Henderson was also unlucky too when his pure strike smashed off the crossbar, everyone at Anfield including himself was sure it was going in but once again Liverpool were denied by the woodwork.
West Brom found their goal with 15 minutes left on the clock. A poor pass from Glen Johnson was intercepted after he'd done so well to gain back possession. Mulumbu made sure he took full advantage of the situation and set up Odemwingie who was confident in putting the ball past Pepe Reina.
West Brom hadn't won at Anfield in 45 years and it just goes to show how Liverpool have fallen in the league of late. Anfield is no longer the fortress it once was and whilst Liverpool are a real presence in the Cups we're barely feared in the league at the moment.
Liverpool continued to throw everything at the Baggies including an onslaught late on with three or four players in Red shirts attempting to beat the away sides defence.
Once again though the Reds were victims of their own lack of accuracy. The simple fact is we can't score goals and whilst I wouldn't get rid of Carroll or Suarez we still desperately need a player who can score 15+ goals a season. That would be a start anyway.
With Norwich up next who knows what will happen, I'm fully expecting to get beat but to be perfectly honest I'm past caring now, this league campaign has been a mess, I'm just trying to look forward to the FA Cup final where hopefully we can collect another piece of silverware.