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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted West Brom deserved his point from the 1-1 draw at Anfield after his team lost focus.
New Baggies manager Sam Allardyce, who is undefeated in his last four league games at Anfield, all achieved for different clubs, secured his first point since taking office after Semi Ajayi’s 82nd-minute header annulled. Sadio Mane’s brilliant goal.
Despite giving up 78% of possession, the Baggies outscored their hosts three to two in shots on goal, despite not registering the first until the 51st minute.
Klopp, who was shown a yellow card by referee Kevin Friend for dissenting in the second half, accepted that it was a failure on his part.
“It feels like a loss, but we have one more point than before so it’s completely okay,” he said.
“It’s our fault, but they deserved the point. In the first half it looked like a 90-10 possession, it’s a big challenge to stay the course and do it again, but we should have done it.
“On the same side, it’s the exact same challenge to defend as 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 it by passing easily, simply and quickly to the next player but we didn’t do it and that’s why it’s our fault.
“That is what we have to accept and we do of course.”
Klopp lost Joel Matip to a groin problem in the second half, which again caused him a problem in central defense, while midfielder Naby Keita was ruled out before the game with another muscle injury that will likely keep him out for at least a couple of weeks.
“Joel told me he felt something in his adductor, which is obviously not too good,” added the German.
“I’m not sure how serious it is, but serious enough that it leaves the field. The rest of the information I receive tomorrow.
“Naby had a muscle injury, I don’t know exactly how long, but he wasn’t ready today and not for Wednesday (against Newcastle). So we’ll see.”
West Brom managed their tie despite scoring just nine touches in Liverpool’s penalty area.
However, Allardyce praised his players for their defensive stamina, which earned them a point.
“We have a point against Liverpool that no one outside of us in the locker room thought we would get,” Allardyce said.
“When the first goal came in, I think a lot of people thought how many would that be today, especially after they beat Palace seven (last weekend).
“The players were so good at their discipline today, defending as a team and finding a way in the second half to attack Liverpool when they got the chance.
“We couldn’t sit still like we did, we got better and better as the second half progressed, creating two or three chances, one of which was taken by Semi, who gave us a precious point today.”
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