EPL: Liverpool stunned as West Brom strike late

Liverpool, Feb 12: Liverpool came into this game thinking about qualifying for the Champions League but ended up struggling to find the back of the net at home.

Now the Reds are in danger of suffering their worst finish in the Premier League. West Brom Albion held on for 80 minutes under pressure and thanks to goalkeeper Ben Foster for saving a penalty from Steven Gerrard which completely shocked home fans.

Liverpool were in danger of going through the same routine, dominating possession and creating infinite chances but failing to score a single goal. The Reds have not won a game after conceding first this season.

West Brom completed a league double over Liverpool for the first time since the 1966-67 season. Late goals from Gareth McAuley and substitute Romelu Lukaku ended the Baggies six-match winless run.

West Brom manager Steve Clarke praised his keeper Foster for keeping their side inthe game with crucial saves throughout. Liverpool missed the presence of Daniel Strurridge while new signing Philippe Coutinho made his debut 10 minutes from normal time.

Jonjo Shelvey was rightly denied a goal within nine minutes for being offside following Glen Johnson's shot which Foster parried away. Suarez as usual created room for his shots but was not at his best with the finishing while Daniel Agger missed two easy headers, especially when he failed to connect with a Stewart Downing cross.

Second half wasn't different for both sides as Liverpool continued to push forward. Gerrard's penalty miss turned the game around at Anfield.

The Baggies scored the opener through McAuley's towering header from a corner with just nine minutes left. Liverpool still had the chance to equalise and salvage a point but Lukaku's dashing run down the middle caught Liverpool offguard and the Belgian finished calmly passed Pepe Reina.

Liverpool are currently ninth in the table with 36 points and have won only one match in their last five league games.

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