Liverpool’s 2012/13 Premier League campaign
started in defeat to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon. Goals
from Zoltan Gera, Peter Odemwingie and Romelu Lukaku handed Steve
Clarke’s men three points in a game that saw Daniel Agger sent off for the
visitors.
New signings Fabio Borini and Joe Allen
were included in the starting line up alongside Lucas Leiva, returning from a
knee injury sustained in November last year. Glen Johnson filled in at left
back for the injured Jose Enrique.
The game got off to a quick start, with
West Brom creating a couple of chances through Liam Ridgewell and Shane Long.
But it was Liverpool who threatened to open the scoring first, Luis Suarez’s
low shot was saved by ‘keeper Ben Foster after the Uruguayan skipped away from
two defenders in trademark style.
Suarez came close
to opening the scoring again. Johnson’s floated cross found the number 7 five
yards out, but he headed over the bar.
Johnson was next
to try to force the West Brom goal. Suarez’ driven cross was partially cleared
by McAuley, the ball rolled out to the edge of the box, but Johnson’s rash
attempt blazed over the bar.
The
away side were left to rue their missed chances on the stroke of half time.
Martin Skrtel’s headed clearance from a corner found Zoltan Gera on the edge of
the box, the Hungarian lashed a venomous strike into the top corner leaving
Pepe Reina with no chance.
Liverpool went
into half time behind 1-0. It was a familiar sight for fans, the team lacked a
clinical edge, missing their chances and ultimately paying the price courtesy
of a wonder strike by Zoltan Gera.
The second half
begun and The Reds started strongly. Suarez’ free kick in a promising position
zipped past the post.
But from there
proceedings went from bad to worse.
Shane Long went
clear of the Liverpool defence after Martin Skrtel lost his footing near the
half way line, Daniel Agger came across to cover for his defensive partner, but
a nudge in the striker’s back sent him tumbling in the penalty area. Phil Dowd
pointed to the penalty spot and brandished Agger a red card.
Long, who earned
the penalty, stepped up to take it. His run up was straight and slow. His shot lacked power and allowed Pepe Reina
to easily dive to his right and comfortably make the save.
But minutes
later, Long won another penalty. This time Skrtel was said to have tripped the
Irishman. Peter Odemwingie placed the ball on the spot and
thrashed home to make it 2-0.
The Baggies
could’ve extended their lead to 3-0 when Lukaku spun past Carragher and squared
to James Morrison, but his shot curved over the cross bar.
It wasn’t
to matter, though. Lukaku took duties into his own hands, or should I say head,
unmarked on the back post the Belgian headed past Reina to cap off an
impressive day for West Brom.
It was a
frustrating afternoon for Liverpool fans, but it’s important to note that there
won’t be significant changes in a short amount of time. It will take time for
the players to adapt to the philosophy and system Brendan Rodgers is trying to
implement.
Sikander
Najib
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