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Jurgen Klopp insisted Liverpool were only to blame after West Brom drew 1-1 at Anfield and lost a chance to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
The Reds appeared to be on their way to another routine win when Sadio Mane took a pass from Joel Matip to his chest and shot Sam Johnstone in the early stages, but Semi Ajayi’s late header ensured the Baggies left Merseyside with a point.
It was nothing less than what Sam Allardyce’s team deserved after a tough performance in which he only had 22 per cent of possession, but still attempted three shots on goal against Liverpool’s two.
The hosts were unable to turn their dominance of the ball into clear opportunities, with Roberto Firmino as the only player, aside from Mane, who put Johnstone to the test when he forced the West Brom goalkeeper to make a good save in the final minutes of the match.
Klopp admitted that his players found it difficult to break through Sam Allardyce’s side and felt they were punished for not taking advantage of their first start.
“It was our fault,” he said. Sky sports then.
“I don’t think anyone can expect a team to play like West Brom in the first half, 6-4. [formation] or whatever.
2:57
FREE TO SEE: Highlights from Liverpool Draw with West Brom
“I thought we did well, we scored a goal and we didn’t give anything away, especially from set pieces.
“But in the second half, obviously, we didn’t do the same again. They had three counterattacks in the first five minutes and we gave them simple and easy corners.
“That was the only thing they wanted to have tonight, and we gave them away. It’s our fault and that’s why it’s only one point instead of three.
“It’s an incredible challenge to stay active and upbeat when constantly facing 10 men. To be fair, West Brom did their job. We were 1-0 up and they didn’t change a thing.
“West Brom deserved the point tonight because we didn’t finish the game and we didn’t have enough clear chances. It’s hard to create, it’s a busy period and all that.
“But in the end, everyone knows and feels that we should have done it and we could have done better tonight and then we would have won the game.”
Carra: Reds must act in January window
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Jamie Carragher urged Liverpool to sign a new center-back in January after Joel Matip suffered another injury
Liverpool’s afternoon was made worse by a groin injury to Joel Matip, who was forced to leave by Rhys Williams after an hour at Anfield.
With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez already out of the game, Sky sports Expert Jamie Carragher insists Liverpool must strengthen their defense in the January transfer window.
“It is a huge concern, but it is not a new concern,” he said. “That is why it is essential that Liverpool sign someone in January. I said it as soon as Virgil van Dijk was injured.”
“Fabinho looks like a first-class center-back, but Matip is too injury-prone. His body can’t handle the rigors of playing in the Premier League week after week.
Joel Matip received treatment and was substituted at Anfield
“I still believe that Liverpool are the best team in the league even without Van Dijk. But the only way they don’t win is if they have problems at center, where Williams or Phillips have to play for a long period.
“It is not a position for young players. Sometimes they will make mistakes because they are young and they are learning.
“Liverpool need someone there to make sure they don’t end up with two guys playing there for five or six weeks if, for example, Fabinho gets injured.
“They have to do something in January.”
Allardyce: West Brom showed determination
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Sam Allardyce says his players did a ‘fantastic job’ at Anfield
Sam Allardyce, meanwhile, praised the stamina and determination displayed by his players as they became the second team in 34 Premier League games at Anfield to take points away from Liverpool.
“The key was a very good organization, a team doing everything they could to knock out the best team in the league on their own patch,” he said. Sky sports.
“What a fantastic job they did. It’s about staying in the game when you come here, not opening up too much and not allowing Liverpool to beat you three or four to zero.
“We kept that ship closed for a long period of time, which I thought was very good considering we lost a goal so early in the game.
“The resistance from the winger gave us the opportunity to create more, get on the field and pass the ball better in the second half.
“I think the guys have shown a lot of determination, determination and organization. They have shown team spirit in a very difficult place. They have fought each other.
“I saw a lot of guts, a lot of determination and, ultimately, for the goal, a lot of quality.”
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