Firmino wins it for Liverpool at West Brom

LIVERPOOL reclaimed third spot in the English Premier League after Roberto Firmino’s header sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion yesterday.

Lucas flicked on James Milner’s right-wing free-kick and the Brazilian stole ahead of Craig Dawson to head home from close range.

“I thought we did really well in the first half, not as fluent as we were second half because the movement was better between the lines”.

They were grateful for a smart save by the Belgian Mignolet from Matt Phillips late on, as well as some poor West Brom finishing, and Liverpool boss Klopp challenged his players to maintain their steely focus.

West Brom pushed hard in the final minutes but could not create a real chance to level the match as the visitors walked away with the spoils.

Leader Chelsea was visiting Manchester United later.

“Mignolet’s been here four years now, but the last couple of games he has been outstanding”.

MF Emre Can, 8 – Produced another powerhouse performance and seemed to relish the physical battle against one of the Premier League’s most robust teams. “Today we could only get to 66 points, so it feels ideal”.

“But today I think was a special performance because it’s also a special opponent – the leaders, the way they play”.

The manager is pleased with the campaign, though acknowledges transfer activity is needed this summer: “We’re eighth in the Premier League – it’s been a great season for West Bromwich Albion“.

All week, Jürgen Klopp had prepared for the reality this was a game likely to be settled by set pieces.

It was generally a poor first half of football at the Hawthorns with the best early chance falling to Hal Robson-Kanu.

And yet, in the absence of Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson in recent weeks, and Sadio Mane for the remainder of the season, Liverpool probably owe as much to Mignolet for securing six points in the last two matches as anyone else on the team. I don’t think we made insane things.

“And then we want to move onto 69. But it was excitement until the end – pretty much always whenever we are involved”.

Liverpool substitute Alberto Moreno angered Klopp in stoppage-time when, with Foster forward for a corner, he led a Liverpool counter-attack but opted to shoot from distance at an open goal and missed, with team-mates screaming for a pass. West Brom manager Tony Pulis: “We’ve had the opportunities again and especially against the top teams you have to take your chances”.