Liverpool stay fifth after a frustrating day at the Hawthorns…
West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Liverpool – The Reds have everything to do to secure Champions League football next season after another frustrating day in the Premier League, this time at the Hawthorns.
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Liverpool dominated the game throughout but were unable to force a breakthrough, despite hitting the crossbar through Jordon Ibe and going close through Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard.
Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Made a fine late block to deny substitute Callum Mcmanaman from close range. Other than that, it was a very quiet afternoon for the Belgian, who was little more than a spectator for much of the game.
RCB) Emre Can – 6/10
Was so comfortable defensively that he was virtually playing as a marauding right-back at times, charging down the flank and allowing Gerrard to cover his spot in the back three. Deserves a chance to show what he can do in the middle.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 6/10
A couple of uncharacteristically nervy moments, but there wasn’t much he could do wrong on a day when West Brom created very little. He was even managing to get forward late on, sending over one dangerous cross.
LCB) Dejan Lovren – 8/10
The best player on the pitch this afternoon. Vital clearance off the line to prevent West Brom’s best and almost only chance from finding the net. Swept up well all afternoon and came close with a stoppage time header.
DM) Steven Gerrard – 5/10
His 500th Premier League game will not live long in the memory. He came close with one first-half free-kick which was curled just over the crossbar but was otherwise ineffective in the holding role, with his passing astray.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 6/10
Did not produce the sort of performance he would have hoped for after signing his new long-term deal on Thursday. Looked relatively dangerous in the first-half and had a close-range shot blocked just after the break.
RM) Jordon Ibe – 6/10 (Lallana – 75′)
Showed real flashes of quality, hitting the crossbar midway through the second-half. Caused plenty of problems with his pace and power down the right but perhaps needed to be a little more direct with his running.
LM) Glen Johnson – 5/10
Looked happy enough in his more advanced role but his end product lacked the quality of Alberto Moreno. This certainly won’t be a long-term solution to any role on our left side, something we must address in the summer.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 6/10
Cut a frustrated figure for much of the game, lashing one long-range effort wide as he shot from half-way. A dipping shot from the edge of the area flew just over the crossbar in the second-half.
AM) Raheem Sterling – 6/10
The youngster did his best to get up in support of Balotelli but again struggled to contribute as much as he would have liked. Would he have been better served playing in a central striking role?
ST) Mario Balotelli – 5/10 (Borini – 75′)
A very quiet afternoon for the Italian who struggled to get involved. If this does prove to be his last big opportunity then he’s done little to convince Brendan Rodgers that he’s worth keeping hold off. Extremely underwhelming.
Subs:
1) Adam Lallana – 5/10 – Couple of decent touches on his return from injury.
2) Fabio Borini – 5/10 – Had little time to make a difference.
