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Brendan Rodgers must be sick of the sight of the Hawthorns. It was the scene of a humbling during his first game in charge of Liverpool, and yesterday he witnessed his side throw away a comfortable lead to gift West Brom a point.Daniel Sturridge’s goal had set the Reds on their way to what looked to be a comfortable three points, but Kolo Toure’s moment of madness needlessly swung the pendulum West Brom’s way.
Former Everton striker Victor Anichebe equalised from the edge of the box as Rodgers’ side blew the chance to go four points clear of the Toffees in the race for the Champions League.
It was the combination of Suarez and Sturridge that yielded the opening goal midway through the first half.
The former, wriggling in the box, waited and waited before clipping a ball to the back post for Sturridge to bundle in.
Baggies hands were up for offside but the forward was played on by Billy Jones for his 50th goal in the top flight.
It was the first shot on target in what had been an even contest. New manager Pepe Mel expected a response from his side after the midweek Midlands depression at the hands of Aston Villa.
He got it to begin with – West Brom, particularly Claudio Yacob, looked to get amongst the visitors – but Rodgers has his side made of sterner stuff nowadays and they looked solid in their pursuit for another away win. Had Toure not lost his head, they’d be heading back to Merseyside with a vital victory.
Home chances had been limited to pot shots. Zoltan Gera scored a stunning 30-yard volley in the humiliation for Rodgers 18 months ago, but could only flash wide given a similar invitation this time.
Mel reverted to 4-4-2 at the break and they looked a different outfit afterwards, Gareth McAuley stinging a Simon Mignolet palm from a Chris Brunt corner.
Saido Berahino smashed over moments before Suarez should have finished the game.
The Uruguayan delicately chipped Diego Lugano and, bearing down on goal, saw his effort saved brilliantly by Ben Foster. The frustrated shake of the head told its own story about a striker so hungry for more during a season he has largely been unplayable.- Sportsmail.
Bongani Ndlovu