Liverpool 2 West Brom 2: Origi's lucky strike snatches point

Divock Origi's deflected shot deep in injury time snatched a 2-2 draw for Liverpool at home to West Brom.

Liverpool left it late to grab a 2-2 Premier League draw against West Brom as Divock Origi's deflected strike rescued a point for the hosts. 

Jonas Olsson's 73rd-minute header looked set to have sealed a famous win for the visitors after Craig Dawson had capitalised on a Simon Mignolet mistake to cancel out Jordan Henderson's opener at Anfield. 

Liverpool could even have been behind at the break, only for Olsson's effort to be ruled out for offside after referee Craig Pawson had consulted with his assistant, and the hosts were rocked further by a serious injury to Dejan Lovren, which saw him taken off on a stretcher in the second half. 

Tony Pulis' side defended resolutely in the closing stages but, in the sixth minute of injury time – a total of eight minutes had been added following lengthy treatment for Lovren – Origi's hopeful effort looped off a West Brom head and into the far corner. 

The late drama denied the visitors what would have been only their third win in the last 26 trips to Anfield in the league. 

Liverpool had West Brom under pressure from the first minute and Philippe Coutinho, back in the starting line-up, should have done much better when he rifled a shot over the crossbar from close range after the visitors failed to clear their lines. 

Christian Benteke just failed to reach Coutinho's clipped cross moments later, but the home side did not have to wait much longer to break the deadlock. 

Coutinho's delivery to the back post was headed down by Adam Lallana into the path of Henderson, who swept home past Boaz Myhill from six yards out. 

Liverpool had been in total control, but an error from Mignolet handed West Brom an equaliser. The Belgian swiped thin air following a corner and, after Salomon Rondon headed the ball down, Dawson hooked it in through the crowded six-yard box. 

West Brom thought they had snatched the lead right on half-time as Olsson turned Craig Gardner's free-kick in, but, after appeals from the Liverpool players, the officials opted – correctly, it appeared – to disallow the goal for offside. 

Benteke spurned two good chances to restore the lead just after the break, heading Alberto Moreno's cross over the crossbar before rifling a half-volley narrowly wide of the near post.

West Brom began to grow into the game as Anfield became increasingly tense and went ahead 17 minutes from time. Chris Brunt's looping corner was met by the head of Olsson and this time the Sweden defender's celebrations were not to be cut short. 

Liverpool were dealt another blow when Lovren had to be taken off with his leg in a brace after a heavy challenge from Gardner. 

Klopp's side responded positively and Lallana spurned a glorious chance for an equaliser as he was denied by a good low stop from Myhill after Benteke's clever pass, while Rondon dragged wide at the other end. 

But there was to be a late twist as Origi battled his way into space 25 yards from goal and struck a shot which took a huge deflection and looped beyond Myhill, much to the relief of Klopp.

Key Opta facts: 

- After losing their first five Premier League visits to Anfield, West Brom have lost just two of their last five away to Liverpool (W2 D1). 

- Liverpool have won just one of their four home Premier League games under Jurgen Klopp (D2 L1).

- No team has scored more headed goals in the Premier League this season than West Brom (7, level with Arsenal, Everton and Southampton). 

- Tony Pulis' side have conceded in each of their last six Premier League games, having conceded in just six of the 16 prior to that run. 

- West Brom have lost just three of their last 12 Premier League away games (W5 D4).

Premier League team news

SATURDAY (3.0 unless stated)

Norwich (16) v Everton (9) - Live BT Sports 1, 12.45pm
Norwich expect midfielder Wes Hoolahan to be available after a knee problem. Manager Alex Neil must decide whether to recall goalkeeper John Ruddy against his former club or stick with Declan Rudd, who made a first Premier League appearance of the season in the 2-0 defeat at Watford. Captain Russell Martin could come back into contention having been an unused substitute again last week, but winger Matt Jarvis – on loan from West Ham – remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Everton midfielder James McCarthy faces a fitness test after missing the last two games with a hip problem. Left back Leighton Baines is likely to be on the bench again as he continues to build his way back to full match fitness while captain Phil Jagielka could return from a knee injury before the end of the year.

Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Norwich L W L D L; Everton W D W D D
Top scorers (all competitions): Nathan Redmond (Norwich) 4; Romelu Lukaku (Everton) 14
Match odds: H 15-8 A 7-5 D 9-4
Referee: Martin Atkinson

Crystal Palace (6) v Southampton (12)
Wilfried Zaha is expected to return to Palace’s starting XI. The winger is available again having been suspended for Monday’s 1-1 draw at Everton, but manager Alan Pardew has two new injury concerns in addition to Bakary Sako, who remains unavailable owing to a hamstring injury. Dwight Gayle and Mile Jedinak, who both featured at Everton, have been ruled out, the former after a recurrence of a hamstring injury and the latter after rolling his ankle in training.

Southampton’s options remain unchanged, but boss Ronald Koeman remains without long-term absentees Jay Rodriguez (ankle) plus Florin Gardos and Fraser Forster (both knee), even if the latter is nearing a return to fitness. Captain Jose Fonte played the entire 90 minutes against Aston Villa on his return from injury, and will again be available to play at former club Palace.

Last season: Southampton 1 Crystal Palace 0, Crystal Palace 1 Southampton 3
Last five league matches: Crystal Palace D W L W D; Southampton W W L L D
Top scorers (all competitions): Yannick Bolasie, Dwight Gayle & Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace) 4; Graziano Pelle (Southampton) 9
Match odds: H 6-4 A 19-10 D11-5
Referee: Mike Dean

Manchester City (3) v Swansea (15) - Live Setanta Sports 1
Sergio Agüero and Vincent Kompany are again missing for Manchester City. Striker Agüero (foot) has missed City’s last three games and captain Kompany (calf) has been out for the last six matches but both could return to training next week. Defender Martin Demichelis is available after being rested as a precaution in midweek but midfielder Fernando (hamstring) and right back Pablo Zabaleta (knee) are not yet fit. Playmaker Samir Nasri is a long-term casualty.

Caretaker Swansea boss Alan Curtis has few injury problems ahead of what is expected to be a short stint in charge, French defender Franck Tabanou the only definite absentee with a thigh muscle injury. Curtis could make changes after the 3-0 home defeat to Premier League leaders Leicester which sealed Garry Monk’s fate, and that could mean recalls for Federico Fernandez and Jonjo Shelvey among others.

Last season: Swansea 2 Man City 4, Man City 2 Swansea 1
Last five league matches: Man City W D L W L; Swansea L L D L L
Top scorers (all competitions): Kevin De Bruyne (Man City) 10; Andre Ayew (Swansea) 6
Match odds: H 2-7 A 9-1 D 9-2
Referee: Robert Madley

Sunderland (19) v Watford (10)
Lee Cattermole will remain sidelined for Sunderland following a recurrence of his long-standing back injury. Boss Sam Allardyce is also without Sebastian Larsson who is out for a month with a knee injury, while Steven Fletcher faces a late test after picking up a foot problem in training. But there is better news for Allardyce with the returns of Jermain Defoe and Wes Brown who missed last week’s defeat at Arsenal with hamstring and knee issues respectively.

Watford are set to again be without midfielder Valon Behrami, who is nursing a calf problem. Austrian defender Sebastian Prodl has returned to training from his own calf injury, but is not expected to be in the squad for the trip to Wearside. Defenders Tommie Hoban (groin) and Joel Ekstrand (knee) continue their recovery from long-term injuries.

Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Sunderland L L W W L; Watford W L L W W
Top scorers (all competitions): Jermain Defoe (Sunderland) 7; Odion Ighalo (Watford) 9
Match odds: H 9-5 A 6-4 D 9-4
Referee: Graham Scott

West Ham (7) v Stoke (11)
Winston Reid and Victor Moses are West Ham’s latest casualties. Defender Reid and winger Moses are out until the new year with hamstring injuries and join Dimitri Payet (ankle), Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini (both thigh) on the sidelines. But forward Enner Valencia could return to the squad if he passes a late fitness test on the ankle injury which has kept him out for five weeks.

Stoke could have fit-again defender Marc Muniesa back in their squad. Muniesa has missed the last six first-team games in all competitions while recovering from a hamstring injury, but has returned to full training and played for the under-21s. Forwards Peter Crouch and Peter Odemwingie (both hamstring) and goalkeeper Shay Given (knee) remain sidelined as the Potters look to build on last Saturday’s impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester City.

Last season: West Ham 1 Stoke 1, Stoke 2 West Ham 2
Last five league matches: West Ham,L D L D D;,Stoke,D W W L W
Top scorers (all competitions): Dimitri Payet, Mauro Zarate and Manuel Lanzini (West Ham) 5; Marko Arnautovic (Stoke) 5
Match odds: H 7-5 A 2-1 D 9-4
Referee: Andre Marriner

Bournemouth (17) v Manchester United (4) - Live Sky Sports 1, 5.30pm
Bournemouth have been boosted by the return of Lee Tomlin (groin) and Marc Pugh (Achilles) after both had been sidelined for around a month. Goalkeeper Adam Federici’s ankle injury is not as bad as first feared so he could be back soon, but Callum Wilson, Max Gradel, Tyrone Mings and Christian Atsu remain long-term absentees.

Captain Wayne Rooney is one of nine Manchester United players who will miss out on the south coast. Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is available after overcoming a hip problem, but Rooney (ankle), Marcos Rojo (shoulder), Phil Jones (ankle), Ander Herrera (hamstring), Luke Shaw (leg) and Antonio Valencia (foot) remain out. Defenders Matteo Darmian (hamstring) and Chris Smalling (groin) are out after suffering their respective injuries in the 3-2 defeat to Wolfsburg while Bastian Schweinsteiger begins his three-match suspension for violent conduct following his elbow on Winston Reid in the 0-0 draw against West Ham last weekend.

Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Bournemouth L L D D W; Man Utd D W W D D
Top scorers (all competitions): Callum Wilson (Bournemouth) 5; Wayne Rooney & Anthony Martial (Man Utd) 7
Match odds: H 23-10 A 23-20 D12-5
Referee: Anthony Taylor

SUNDAY

Aston Villa (20) v Arsenal (2) - Live Sky Sports 1, 1.30pm
Jack Grealish will be back in the Aston Villa squad after being overlooked for first-team duty against Watford and Southampton following a breach of club discipline. Leandro Bacuna and Rudy Gestede came off injured against Saints but will be fit for Sunday, although captain Micah Richards is still struggling with the knee problem that ruled him out at St Mary’s.

Arsene Wenger has no fresh injury concerns, however none of his injured players will return at Villa Park, with Alexis Sanchez (hamstring), Jack Wilshere (leg), Mikel Arteta (calf), Francis Coquelin, Danny Welbeck, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky (all knee) still missing.

Last season: Arsenal 5 Aston Villa 0, Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 3
Last five league matches: Aston Villa L D L L D; Arsenal W D L D W
Top scorers (all competitions): Scott Sinclair (Aston Villa) 6; Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) 13
Match odds: H 11-2 A 8-15 D 3-1
Referee: Kevin Friend

Liverpool (8) v West Brom (13), 4.0pm
Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is in line for a return to the starting line-up. The Brazil international came off the bench in the goalless Europa League draw with Sion after four matches out with a hamstring injury. Defender Martin Skrtel, on the bench in Switzerland, and Alberto Moreno and Lucas Leiva, who were both left at home in midweek, are also set to return to the team.

Stephane Sessegnon is out of West Brom’s trip to Anfield with a hamstring injury after limping off in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham. Claudio Yacob is available again after suspension. Ben Foster remains sidelined with the knee injury he suffered in March and continues to battle back from a setback he suffered in September but is not expected to play until the new year.

Last season: West Brom 0 Liverpool 0, Liverpool 2 West Brom 1
Last five league matches: Liverpool W L W W L; West Brom,L L W D D
Top scorers (all competitions): Christian Benteke & Phillippe Coutinho (Liverpool) 5; Salomon Rondon, James Morrison & Saido Berahino (West Brom) 3
Match odds: H 2-5 A 15-2 D 100-30
Referee: Craig Pawson

Tottenham (5) v Newcastle (18) - Live Sky Sports 1, 4.0pm
Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier is expected to shake off a knock in time. He was taken off in the first half of Spurs’ Europa League win over Monaco on Thursday but only as a precaution, while Harry Kane is set to return after sitting out the match. Mousa Dembele is a doubt as he struggles to overcome a stomach bug. Ryan Mason and Alex Pritchard are both out with ankle injuries.

Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren will select from the same squad as he did for last weekend’s victory over Liverpool. Defender Jamaal Lascelles (hamstring) is back in training and is expected to be joined by midfielders Cheick Tiote (groin) and Rolando Aarons (foot) within days.

Last season: Newcastle 1 Tottenham 3, Tottenham 1 Newcastle 2
Last five league matches: Tottenham W D W D D; Newcastle D W L L W
Top scorers (all competitions): Harry Kane (Tottenham) 10; Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle) 7
Match odds: H 2-5 A 7-1 D 18-5
Referee: Roger East

MONDAY

Leicester (1) v Chelsea (14) - Liver Sky Sports 1, 8.0pm
Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri could name an unchanged team against his former side. The Foxes have no new injury worries with Ritchie de Laet (ankle) out for the rest of the month and Matty James edging towards a comeback following a long-term knee injury. On-loan winger Nathan Dyer is available again after being ineligible to face his parent club Swansea in Leicester’s 3-0 win at the Liberty Stadium last week.

Jose Mourinho has a full squad available. John Terry and Ramires returned from injury in the midweek Champions League win over Porto, as the Blues responded from the loss to Bournemouth. Midfielder Cesc Fabregas was dropped and could miss out again after the improved performance which took Mourinho’s men into the last 16, while striker Radamel Falcao is fit again and could be on the bench.

Last season: Leicester 1 Chelsea 3, Chelsea 2 Leicester 0
Last five league matches: Leicester W W W D W; Chelsea L L W D L
Top scorers (all competitions): Jamie Vardy (Leicester) 14; Willian (Chelsea) 7
Match odds: H 2-1 A 13-10 D 18-5
Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Liverpool V West Brom at Anfield : LIVE

Simon Mignolet: Philippe Coutinho's return to fitness a welcome boost for Reds

The return to fitness of playmaker Philippe Coutinho gives Liverpool their creative fulcrum back, according to goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Having lost at Newcastle last weekend and struggled to beat Swansea at home the previous week, the Brazil international's recovery from a hamstring injury after missing four matches is a welcome boost.

Even Coutinho could not provide the inspiration to overcome a limited Sion side when he came off the bench in the Europa League on Thursday, but his invention will be crucial in helping to break down another robust side in West Brom - who have conceded just five goals in seven away matches this season.

"With Philippe coming back we have got a lot of creativity in those kind of spaces and that's something we need to look at, especially in these type of games," the Belgium goalkeeper said.

"Sion were well organised, they played on the counter-attack and sat back and we have to try to find the solutions to try to create chances.

"They are different games compared to when you go away to big teams and they give you the opportunity to play.

"We have to find a way in these type of games when they sit back.

"Sunday will probably be similar. They will look to be dangerous on the counter-attack and maybe with a set-piece.

"You have to accept it and make a plan for it and try to ensure you do the things you need to do."

Mignolet's future as Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, so much so that manager Jurgen Klopp spoke out in support of the player.

There have even been preliminary talks over an extension to his contract, which does not expire until 2018, and the Belgian is happy with life at Anfield.

"It's obviously nice to hear the manager say that so openly in the public and that he's behind you," the 27-year-old added.

"I knew that already. He had spoken with me. He speaks with every player.

"You know what he's about and what he likes.

"It gives you a lot of confidence and it's nice to hear but, by the same token, it doesn't mean anything because you have to keep showing on the pitch what you can do and what you are about.

"I'll keep working hard to improve and keep my head down.

"I'm not really concerning myself about a new contract. There are games to be played and that's what I am focused on.

"Games come thick and fast and that's the only thing that matters at the moment.

"Of course I'm happy at Liverpool and I want to stay here."

Coutinho is in line for a return to the starting line-up on Sunday while Martin Skrtel, on the bench in Switzerland, and Alberto Moreno and Lucas Leiva, who were both left at home in midweek, are also set to return to the team.

West Brom chief Tony Pulis reckons Klopp can create a Liverpool legacy.

The Baggies to go Anfield aiming to inflict successive league defeats on Klopp after their loss at Newcastle.

The German has won seven of his 13 games since replacing Brendan Rodgers in October.

Liverpool are six points off the Champions League places ahead of the weekend's fixtures and Pulis has seen enough to suggest Klopp can make a lasting mark.

He said: "He looks bright and breezy and his command of the English language is excellent. He looks as though he'll be here to stay.

"He is a fantastic manager, his record shows he has been a top manager in Germany. He did an exceptional job there. He has got one of the best clubs in England with some top players.

"He'll have the opportunity and chance to push them on and progress.

"Being in the different cup competitions they have done very well. That's difficult to manage, he has managed it well. His whole demeanour in managing the club has been first class since he's come in."

Pulis is without Stephane Sessegnon (hamstring) but Claudio Yacob is available again after suspension.

Saido Berahino could be on the bench again after being among the substitutes for the last four games with the Baggies the second lowest scorers in the league with 14 goals.

And Pulis admitted Berahino's loss of form has hit the team.

"We're creating the chances but just not putting them away. Not having that extra goalscorer has affected the team there's no doubt about it," he added.

How Can Jurgen Klopp Solve Liverpool’s Anfield Conundrum?

Jürgen Klopp’s arrival on Merseyside in October sparked immense excitement amongst Liverpool fans who had grown tired of watching Brendan Rodgers’ side’s struggles in the early stages of the season.

After losing 3-1 at Old Trafford in September, Rodgers went on to draw five of his last six games 1-1 as manager with three of those deadlocks coming at home – Norwich, Carlisle and Sion the opponents. In those games, the pattern was similar: the Reds dominated for long periods but looked susceptible to conceding guilt-edge chances whilst simultaneously appearing incapable of creating any of their own.

Their new German manager has only fared marginally better so far in his seven Anfield matches. Bournemouth, Bordeaux and Swansea have been beaten by single-goal margins in three different competitions but FC Rubin, Southampton and, most recently, West Brom have left with a share of the spoils, while Crystal Palace went one better by winning 2-1 prior to the last international break.

The fixture computer generated an extremely odd-looking set of Liverpool fixtures in the first half of the season, where the Reds faced all of their toughest away trips of the season in their first seven away games. It did, however, produce a schedule that saw five of their six games immediately after Europa League ties being home fixtures, with a short journey to Everton the only exception. Much has been made about English clubs’ win percentage on Sundays following games on Thursdays, and it’s evident that this has affected Liverpool’s home form.

However, the malaise that is currently preventing Klopp’s men from capitalising on their title rivals’ reluctance to win games goes deeper. What can he do to turn these draws into wins?

Striking Issues

Daniel Sturridge’s brace in the 6-1 Capital One Cup win at Southampton reminded everyone exactly what Liverpool have been missing during his time on the sidelines with injury, so it was rather fitting that his body continued to taunt fans when he picked up a hamstring strain at Newcastle last weekend. In his absence, Klopp has generally selected Christian Benteke in attack, with or without Roberto Firmino.

Much has been made of the pair’s lack of chemistry in recent weeks; in the 2-0 loss at St. James’ Park, just one pass was exchanged between Liverpool’s front two before they were both pointedly substituted at the same time in the second half. The Anfield crowd have seen this kind of issue before – club-record signing Andy Carroll struggled to link up effectively with Luis Suárez back in 2011-12, while Rickie Lambert’s run in the team last season showcased a painful lack of compatibility with playmaker Phillipe Coutinho. Benteke and Firmino have caused more ire, however – neither looks interested in playing to the other’s strengths, a criticism that could not have been levelled at Carroll and Suárez four years ago.

Firmino has been used as part of a fluid attacking trio with Coutinho and Adam Lallana in Liverpool’s excellent victories away to Chelsea and Manchester City, but would this work at Anfield against a deeper defence? In theory, the movement of the trident could disrupt a deep, rigid backline. Is it time for Klopp to try this at home?

Deploying Benteke against Tony Pulis’ deep West Brom seemed to make sense. Benteke’s size and power should allow him to prosper given adequate service from wide areas, but never did he look like getting the better of Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson against the Baggies. He connected with just two of Liverpool’s 29 crosses, heading both off-target. Many of those crosses came from deep or central positions, often the easy option.

Jonas Olsson of West Bromwich Albion (L) celebrates with team mates as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on December 13, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

It is without doubt more difficult to work an overload out wide to get a full back scampering in behind to cut a ball back, and it won’t happen 29 times in one game. But if Nathaniel Clyne or Alberto Moreno managed to do so even a handful of times, it might present the Belgian striker with a better opportunity – the kind of one he often thrived from at Aston Villa (see the FA Cup semi-final against his current employers).

It’s also worth pointing out that, when at Villa Park, Benteke tended to be an extremely streaky player, enduring long baron spells before scoring ten goals in ten games. Does this make him worth persisting with?

Midfield Runners

Liverpool’s first goal against West Brom showed the manager exactly what Jordan Henderson can bring to the table. Gambling on Coutinho’s diagonal pass to Lallana, the captain burst through the centre from deep to fire past Boaz Myhill and break the deadlock. If teams are content to sit deep at Anfield, the key to unlocking the door may well be triggering these runs from midfield positions.

At Newcastle last weekend, neither Lucas nor Joe Allen looked likely to provide this dynamism, while James Milner’s utility role means he’s never consistently in the position to capitalise on the breaking ball. Since first taking on the captain’s armband in January during Steven Gerrard’s absence through injury, Henderson has steadily been improving his output in terms of numbers, finding the net against Manchester City, Burnley and Swansea in a fruitful spell last spring.

The second man that can provide this is Lallana, creator of Henderson’s strike at the weekend. The former Southampton man is one of the most unique footballers around – always playing on the half-turn, rarely wasteful in possession and constantly bright, but lacking in any defining physical attribute and lacking in key contributions.

His value to the team was extremely evident in Liverpool’s recent big away performances as he showcased his work ethic and intelligence, but missing a big one-on-one chance against West Brom highlighted what’s currently lacking from his game. That said, the movement that got him into the position bearing down on the Kop is exactly what can disrupt organised defences.

Lallana’s contribution to the overall performance of the team is generally positive, but does he have the impact factor required to play in a front three? Perhaps a deeper starting position in the middle third could allow Klopp to play another attacker whilst simultaneously allowing the 27-year old to break lines with more third-man runs.

The Emre Can Option

At just 21 years of age, Emre Can has huge potential to be anything he wants to be as midfielder. Inconsistent and infuriating at times, he was still hugely missed when suspended for the defeat at Newcastle where his size, drive and creativity were badly required in a scrappy game. His technical ability is without doubt – see his assist for Sturridge’s second goal at St. Mary’s in the League Cup (below) for evidence.

With Lucas banned for the visit of Swansea, Can played as Liverpool’s deepest midfielder for the first time under Klopp and he reprised that role in midweek in the dead rubber tie against Sion in the Europa League. With Lucas available for the West Brom game, it was perhaps a surprise to see the German in that role again, though Klopp’s thought process may have had sound logic.

Despite occasional complacency and lapses in concentration that an opposition side playing a genuine number ten may exploit, Can’s skillset is unlike most other midfielders in the league. In addition to his passing ability and variety, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man can take men out of the game by powering past them from deep, committing bodies to open up spaces for teammates.

Interestingly, with West Brom a goal up and Dejan Lovren departing on a stretcher, Klopp chose to replace his Croatian centre back with Divock Origi, who went on to score his fourth goal in three games to level the game in stoppage time. Instead of changing the team’s shape, the manager moved Can to centre back, where he continued to have a positive influence of the game from an even deeper position.

With the visitors penned back in their own penalty area, the German had acres of space to attack when in possession, adding an extra attacking dimension to Liverpool’s search of an equaliser. Can has only previously started a game at centre back in a back four once for the Reds, against Newcastle last April. Could this be a means by which Klopp can add creativity to his side against defensive opposition?

The Crowd

In the build-up to the West Brom game, Klopp was extremely vocal about the need for the backing of the Anfield crowd. Having quipped that he felt ‘alone’ on the touchline as supporters exited the ground early during the 2-1 defeat to Palace, he then called for the best atmosphere of the last ten years this weekend in his pre-game press conference. He may not have gotten exactly that, but his impassioned celebration of Origi’s equaliser and the subsequent noise inside the ground lifted the team.

The post-match scene of Klopp bringing the entire team, hand-in-hand, to salute the Kop raised eyebrows amongst neutrals and was greeted with derision by fans of rival clubs for what was construed as a public celebration of a 2-2 home draw with inferior opposition.

However, the majority of Liverpool fans appreciated the sentiment of this act, more frequently seen in Germany; a showing that the team appreciates the support, that they are willing to fight for the crowd.

Maybe this was the first step in restoring the famous Anfield atmosphere. If so, it could be one of Klopp’s greatest moves to date: restoring the advantage that was often said to give Liverpool half a goal’s head-start in the minds of the visiting team.

Last-Gasp Divock Origi Rescues Ragged Liverpool F.C.

Divock Origi scored in the 96th minute -- his first Premier League goal -- to earn Liverpool F.C. a 2-2 draw in a heated match against West Bromwich Albion.

Divock Origi scored his first Premier League goal in the 96th minute to earn Liverpool F.C. a 2-2 draw in a heated match against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. (Arsenal Go Top)

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson marked his first league start since August by finishing a superb move with a sweet half-volley to give the home side the lead mid-way through the first half.

Craig Dawson equalised for Albion after half an hour, turning in the loose ball after goalkeeper Simon Mignolet had failed to deal with a corner.

Liverpool looked uncertain whenever defending set-pieces and almost went behind right on half-time as Jonas Olsson volleyed in Craig Gardner's free-kick, only to be correctly ruled offside after a long delay.

The Sweden centre-back was not to be denied a goal, though, rising at the near post to glance in Chris Brunt's corner with 17 minutes left.

There followed a sour incident as Dejan Lovren was carried off on a stretcher with his leg in a brace after a challenge by Gardner, who followed through and caught the centre-back on the knee.

But towards the end of eight minutes of time added on for Lovren's injury, Origi's deflected 25-yard shot prevented Liverpool from succumbing to a second straight defeat after last weekend's 2-0 loss at Newcastle United.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who had been involved in a number of touchline disputes with his West Brom counterpart Tony Pulis during a bad-tempered second half, greeted the equaliser by punching the air.

But the loss of Lovren will be of serious concern to the Liverpool manager, whose side looked set for defeat until Origi -- the Croatian's replacement -- intervened.

Another significant talking point was the offside decision that denied Olsson just before the interval.

The West Brom defender thought he had given the visitors a 2-1 lead when he sneaked in unattended at the far post to volley in Gardner's free-kick.

- Special moment -

Linesman Roger West did not raise his flag and only a couple of Liverpool players made any kind of appeal.

But West then called referee Craig Pawson over towards him and, after a delay, the goal was disallowed.

Television replays showed that it was the correct decision, with four Albion players in an offside position as Gardner took the free-kick, but it was unclear how Pawson and West had managed to spot it.

That incident came after Liverpool had taken the lead with a lovely goal, only to lose it as a result of some sloppy defending at a set-piece.

The opening goal came when Christian Benteke laid the ball back to Alberto Moreno, whose angled cross was headed down by Adam Lallana for Henderson to sweep in on the half-volley.

It was a special moment for Henderson, who has missed three months of the season with two separate foot injuries.

Liverpool should have been in front before their captain's 21st-minute goal as Philippe Coutinho blazed over from 15 yards after Gareth McAuley had headed Emre Can's diagonal chip straight to the Brazil international.

But any hopes Liverpool might have had of a comfortable afternoon disappeared as Albion equalised nine minutes after going behind.

Mignolet, who had earlier prevented a deflected Gardner cross-shot from sneaking in at his near post, failed to reach a corner as he collided with Benteke and Salomon Rondon worked the loose ball to Dawson, who prodded in.

Liverpool struggled to impose themselves in the second half. Lovren saw a glancing header deflected wide from James Milner's free-kick, but chances were otherwise hard to come by.

Albion went in front from another corner in the 73rd minute, as Olsson scored, only for Origi to have the last word.