Firmino on target as Reds go 3rd
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LIVERPOOL reclaimed third spot in the English Premier League after Roberto Firmino’s header sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion yesterday.
West Brom created the best chances in a largely uneventful first half before Firmino nodded home Lucas’ flick on to register his 11th league goal of the season just before the break as Liverpool cemented its place in the UEFA Champions League qualification positions.
The visitors could have extended their lead after halftime but James Milner blazed a glorious opportunity over the bar and Divock Origi had a goal ruled out for offside.
Simon Mignolet made a crucial late save to deny Matt Phillips but, as West Brom piled on the pressure in the closing stages, Alberto Moreno missed an open goal after Ben Foster had come up for a corner.
Liverpool has 66 points from 33 games, although it has played one more game than Manchester City which sits two points adrift in fourth. West Brom lies eighth on 44 points.
“If you come away to West Brom you know what to expect and you must deal with it,” Mignolet told Sky Sports.
“We are very pleased with the performance and the 3 points is massive today. You feel the pressure after you see the other teams and their results but we have to look at ourselves and do our jobs.”
After City was an impressive 3-0 victor against Southampton on Saturday, Liverpool needed to respond in kind against a West Brom side which is notoriously strong at home.
The hosts, however, had failed to score in their previous three league fixtures, but carved out a couple of promising chances through Hal Robson-Kanu and Nacer Chadli.
A goalless halftime beckoned at the end of a cagey first half before Firmino rushed in at the back post to convert Lucas’ flick-on past goalkeeper Foster.
Liverpool started the second half brightly but as the match progressed the hosts slowly started to assert themselves with their best chance falling to Phillips, whose attempted chip was blocked by the onrushing Mignolet.
Liverpool held on to claim a 5th victory in seven games but could have added a second goal in a bizarre finale after Foster was twice caught horribly out of position. First Moreno shot wide with the goal gaping then Daniel Sturridge dwelled in possession before seeing a wayward pass intercepted.
Leader Chelsea was visiting Manchester United later.
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