Fab four fail, ref gives Baggies the bail: 5 talking points from Liverpool vs West Brom 

It turned out to be another frustrating night for Liverpool as they were once again held to a stalemate, this time by West Bromwich Albion. The fans expected the Baggies to pretty much park the bus as that’s how Everton went to Anfield and went away with a point. Having said that, they’ll be disappointed as Liverpool created a few chances in the second half only to be frustrated by the team’s poor finishing and at times, refereeing decisions.

Late on in the game, Liverpool thought they had won it as Dominic Solanke had put the ball in the back of the net, but the referee ruled it out and it seemed a bit controversial as the Englishman had unintentionally put the ball into the net through his arm.

West Brom created very little as Salomon Rondon was left isolated up front, but in the end, is hold up play was enough to drain the momentum out of Liverpool’s play.

Without further ado, let’s look at five talking points from the game:

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#5 The disallowed goal

The rule clearly says that play should be stopped if a player deliberately handles the ball. Replays suggested Solanke had no intention of handling the ball as the ball sort of ricocheted off his shin onto his arm and then into the goal.

The West Brom players were immediately on the ref’s tail to get the goal erased and what surprised everyone at the stadium was perhaps the reaction of the linesman who didn’t raise his flag for a handball. The referee, on his own, decided to stop the game and Liverpool can perhaps feel hard done by the decision.

That’s the second time in as many games that Liverpool have been robbed a win due to dodgy decisions from the referees. Words won’t be able to describe the way Klopp will be feeling right now!

#4 Is the rotation affecting Liverpool’s fab four?

Mane and co. were left frustrating

I know, it’s a bit too hard to criticise the Liverpool attack considering how well they’ve done in the last few months. But for everything that’s been said, Liverpool’s goal gluts have come against weaker opposition, sides who don’t have good defensive records this season.

West Brom are by no means a team who have put in good defensive performances this season, but they sure have the personnel to do so and they showed that last night.

But unlike the first few months, where Klopp didn’t have the obligation to rotate his squad simply because it was early days and the players were fresh, the team has somewhat looked disjointed in attack. The likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have played with different attackers every other game, so perhaps it has affected the understanding.

With tough games coming up, Klopp will have a decision to make as the Reds can’t afford to rotate too much. They run the risk of losing too much ground in the race for the Champions League places.

#3 When will West Brom win a game?

Still a lot of work to do

A point at Anfield is impressive. But looking at the larger picture, West Brom are still winless in their last 15 league games, a run that started in August! Though the Baggies have kept in touch of the rest of the sides and are outside the relegation zone, the winning feeling is something that needs to return soon as the fixtures are going to come thick and fast.

To make things worse, Pardew’s side always go through a lean patch after bright starts, something that hasn’t happened at West Midlands yet (the bright start, folks).

Again, they have decent players and should be challenging the top 12 spots, but the lack of creativity means Pardew has a job on his hands. At least the defensive rigidity is back, so that’s one step closer to a side who can survive the drop.

#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold impresses again

Another impressive outing

Liverpool’s defence has been pretty substandard this season yet again, but the biggest positives have been the performances of their full-backs. Many presumed Klopp had shot himself in the foot after only signing Andrew Robertson, but boy did Alberto Moreno prove them wrong.

There was a similar feeling when questions arose about why the club didn’t sign a good player as a backup for the injured Nathaniel Clyne. Trent Alexander-Arnold had shown glimpses that he could be a good player in pre-season, but Klopp has managed to chisel him well and he has turned into quite a good right-back.

Towards the end of the game, he seemed a bit worn out, but it was only because he put in quite a shift, often marauding up and down the flanks to act as an attacking outlet and at the same time, keeping the likes of Hal Robson-Kanu and James McClean in check.

TAA put in some smashing crosses, of which at least a couple led to good goalscoring chances. If he stays fit for the rest of the season and puts in the kind of performance he did last night, he could have an outside chance of even making the plane to Russia.

#1 Are Liverpool back to square one?

Liverpool have drawn too many games

Having dropped four points in two games, Liverpool are now outside the top four by virtue of goal difference. The upcoming fixtures won’t make it any easy considering both will be away from home.

First, Liverpool travel to Bournemouth. Judging by the way the Cherries played against Manchester United, Liverpool will have a stern test. If they manage to get past them, there’s the small matter of taking on Arsenal, who will be out for revenge following the 4-0 mauling at Anfield earlier in the season.

Last season, Liverpool’s season took a nosedive around January. Judging by the way things are transpiring right now, Klopp’s side might have already started their lean patch. That, coupled with the fact that Spurs are doing well means Liverpool have it all to do if they are to play Champions League football next season.