Liverpool went to the Hawthorns to secure an alternate passage to European football next season should they fail to halt Sevilla’s fairy-tale affair with the Europa League.
Tony Pulis’s side were one point away from achieving their highest points tally in a Premier League campaign. However, the fans, following a disappointing run off late, have demanded more entertainment to the Baggies’ brand of football. With Liverpool visiting for the season finale at the Hawthorns, the Welshman would have wanted to give Baggies fans a taste of what the fans could expect from the side in the next season.
After having little of the ball in the first twenty minutes, the Baggies won back possession and a spectacular run by 17-year-old Jonathan Leko saw him send Salomon Rondon through before the Venezuelan slotted the ball past Adam Bogdan’s goal.
Awful goal to concede. Allen gave it away. Leto got away from Stewart far too easily, laid off to Rondon. Smith not alert, Bodgan beaten
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) May 15, 2016
13 mins. Rubbish goal. Allen, Stewart, Smith and Bogdan all at fault. Rubbish.
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) May 15, 2016
Jonathan Leko with a flash of what he could do in years to come, Rondon with a flash of what he can do with good service. Great goal. #wba
— Josh Bland (@J_Bland_Writer) May 15, 2016
Rondon scores his TENTH goal in Baggies colours. In this team, playing how we have at times, you cannot argue with that return. #WBA
— Baggies Facts (@BaggiesFacts) May 15, 2016
Heard rondon had scored? then I remembered bogdan is in goal
— Simon Taylor (@LucozadeDemon) May 15, 2016
Despite seeing a lot of the ball early on in the game, the Reds managed to effect little threat on Ben Foster’s goal, barring a couple of attempts from Brannagan and Ojo. That was until Jordan Ibe scored a brilliant solo effort that saw the Englishman forge a run all the way from the Liverpool half to equalize for the Reds.
Wonderful goal from Ibe, runs from deep on the right side, cuts inside on his left and finishes past Foster.
-This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) May 15, 2016
Stunning individual goal from Ibe who has run from inside his own half to slot home the equaliser. #LFC
James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) May 15, 2016
Great goal for Ibe there. That’s what he can do with a bit of space to run at his man. He makes it look easy.
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) May 15, 2016
LRT—it was a very nice goal, but equally it was a case of “Jordon Ibe’s refusal to pass the ball under any circumstances finally pays off.”
— Liverpool Offside (@LFCOffside) May 15, 2016
Watching Ibe’s goal again. Benteke’s run takes McAuley away allowing him to cut inside Olsson and shoot under Dawson.
— Matt Wilson (@mattwilson_star) May 15, 2016
The second half saw a much improved West Brom exerting their dominance over the second string Liverpool side. Rondon came incredibly close twice to giving the Baggies the lead and there were loads of other chances as well that went begging. However, the moment of the half for Liverpool was watching Danny Ings take the field for the first time in nearly 7 months, having injured his ligament back in October. Twitter was abuzz with a warm reception for the former Burnley striker as he came on for Jordan Ibe in 66th minute along with Jordan Henderson, who replaced Joe Allen.
Heartwarming seeing Danny Ings run out. Can’t wait to see him play next campaign. #LFC
— Premier League Talk (@LFCLegacy) May 15, 2016
Danny Ings makes his first appearance under Jurgen Klopp as he replaces Jordon Ibe.
— LFC Liverpool FC (@Liverpool_FC_) May 15, 2016
Fantastic to see @IngsDanny back on the pitch! Wishing you all the best! #youllalwaysbeaclaret ⚽️⚽️
— Jodie Heaton (@jodie_heaton) May 15, 2016
The game ended 1-1 and with Southampton securing a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Liverpool are consigned to an 8th place finish. That leaves the Reds’ hopes of European football now hanging on Wednesday’s final vs Sevilla. However, the Merseysiders’ opponents on Wednesday will fight for similar objectives having only managed a 7th place finish themselves in the Spanish premiership.
Southampton finish 5th. Unreal. And we are meant to of bought all of their best players off them.
— Kloppite (@PeteKopite) May 15, 2016
8th place finish means LFC will only be in Europe next season should they win on Wednesday. No Europa League in 2016/17.
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) May 15, 2016
8th place finish means LFC will only be in Europe next season should they win on Wednesday. No Europa League in 2016/17.
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) May 15, 2016
Manager Reactions
Speaking of the 11 changes he made with the Europa League final in mind, Klopp said, “We made a few changes – 11 – and it made sense because it was absolutely clear you could not play here today with 50 per cent concentration. The plan was to keep the ball as long as possible and with these young boys, it was a real challenge for them but they did good, they did really well. We played football.”
Speaking of the big final against Sevilla, the German commented, “It is difficult – we know. It is against Sevilla – we know. But we will be prepared, 100 per cent.”
“Like we deserved the point today, so we deserve to be a part of the final – 100 per cent. And who deserves to be in a final can win and that’s what we’ll try.”
As for West Brom boss Tony Pulis, he identified where the 14th-placed Baggies must improve next season, according to BBC Sport’s Mike Henson. “I think this is a wonderful club with fantastic tradition. We have to improve, especially at the top end of the pitch.”
