LIVERPOOL MANAGER JURGEN Klopp admitted West Brom deserved their point from a 1-1 draw at Anfield after his side lost their focus.
New Baggies boss Sam Allardyce, who is unbeaten in his last four league matches at Anfield – all achieved with different clubs – secured his first point since taking over after Semi Ajayi’s 82nd-minute header cancelled out Sadio Mane’s brilliant strike.
Despite giving up 78 per cent possession, the Baggies out-performed their hosts three to two in shots on target, despite not registering their first until the 51st minute.
Klopp, who was shown a yellow card by referee Kevin Friend for dissent in the second half, accepted that was a failure on their part.
“It does feel like a defeat, but we have a point more than before so it is completely fine,” he said.
“It’s our fault but they deserved the point. In the first half it looked like 90:10 possession, it’s a massive challenge to stay on track and do it again but we should have done it.
“On the same side it is exactly the same challenge to defend like West Brom did.
“In the first five minutes of the second half they had more situations than they had in the entire first half and we could have avoided that by passing easy, simple and quick to the next player but we didn’t and that is why it is our fault.
“That is what we have to accept and we do that of course.”
Klopp lost Joel Matip to a groin issue in the second half, causing him a problem in central defence again, while midfielder Naby Keita was ruled out before the game with another muscle injury which is likely to sideline him for at least a couple of weeks.
“Joel has told me he felt something in his adductor, that is obviously not too good,” added the German.
“Not sure how serious it is but serious enough for him to leave the pitch. The rest of the information I get tomorrow.
“Naby had a muscle injury – I don’t know exactly how long but he was not ready today and not for Wednesday (against Newcastle). So we will see.”
West Brom achieved their draw despite managing just nine touches in Liverpool’s penalty area.
However, Allardyce praised his players for their defensive resilience which earned them a point.
“We’ve got a point against Liverpool, which no-one outside of us in the dressing room thought we’d get,” said Allardyce.
“When the first goal went in I think a lot of people thought how many was it going to be today, particularly after they knocked seven past Palace (last weekend).
“The players were so good today in their discipline, defending as a team, and finding a way in the second half to attack Liverpool when they got the opportunity.
“We couldn’t keep sitting back as we did, we got better and better as the second half went on, creating two or three chances – which one was taken by Semi which gave us a precious point today.”
Consindering Liverpool have had a midfielder and a very green 19yo playing CB for big chunks of the season and they’re still top is a testament to klopp and the team. Vvd’s loss can’t be underestimated defensively but also offensively. All in all they’re in a strong position.
@Paul Mallon: The 19 year old has started one league game and come on as a sub in another. Your point is still valid though
I read Liverpool fans mocking United’s title chances on here the other day. After watching that performance I’d be very concerned about them. Last week at Palace was an anomaly. There’s been far more average performances this season than good ones. Put a real dampener on Christmas that match.
@WW: still top though even with all the injuries and VAR setbacks
@WW: Christmas is great when you’re top of the league. Yet another calendar year goes by and still unbeaten at home in the league. Things couldn’t be better
@Patrick O Connell: don’t start
@my name: it’s a long way removed from last Christmas’s position to be truthful. Only 3 points ahead of Everton is not much to celebrate. Perhaps they’ll go on another good run after this but I wouldn’t be betting on it personally.
@WW: like he said. Being top is something to celebrate
@WW: comparing this season to last season is apples and oranges stuff though. As any manager or any fan of any club where they’d like to be right now in relation to league standings. That’s the question and answer you should be looking for
@my name: apples and oranges. How trite! They’re top by virtue of the fact that the rest haven’t been either consistent or capable enough, not by excelling as they have done the last two seasons. Long way to go but the signs aren’t as encouraging as they were then.
@WW: the wheels are falling off. Whoop whoop
@WW: and isn’t that what everyone was saying last year as well. “Everyone else hasn’t been so bad in years, new managers, VAR” . Keep taking shots but as long as they’re getting results what does it matter. You know you’re the best team when lads only has muck to sling after a draw that still has them top of the league
@my name: I admire your positivity.
Poor result but we’re still top…all that matters…
@Damien Leen: Agreed. Given chances we’re going to be a a premium v a Sam side with 4 CBs perhaps at 1-0 Liverpool could have dropped back and played them at their own game knowing a this WBA side, who would have to take risks, would surely find it hard to open a solid defense. Liverpool could have pick them off on the break. It a slight a slight criticism, but all in all given the injuries it not too bad. Will have players coming back and should buy a CB as cover is needed even when VVD and Gomez are back.
They’ll still be the team to beat, the side that finishes above Liverpool will be champions that’s for sure
Where’s all “the mask is slipping” bandwagoners this evening??
If Shaqiri and Minamino fit enough to be on bench surely better to bring on than Origi ? Bit of a slip up today but these things happen
@Mervyn Queally: horses for courses change. Guess he was hoping that Big Div would get on the end of a cross or something like that
Why would he moan ? A team went with a game plan and worked out
Really needed jota off the bench today. West brom had a solid game plan. Park the bus and hope to catch the other team on the counter.
Salah had a rare off day today and this was the result.
@Paddy Kavanagh: jota wasn’t on the bench he has a knee injury