West Brom 1 Liverpool 2 - Player Ratings
Joe Masi gives gives his player ratings for Albion's defeat to Liverpool.
Sam Johnstone
Albion’s impressive defensive display ensured their goalkeeper wasn’t needed too often. But when he was called upon, Johnstone made decent saves to deny Mo Salah and Fabinho.
Solid 7
Darnell Furlong
The full-back has really grown the longer the season has gone on. And he continued his impressive form here with a fine display that ensured Saido Mane was kept quiet.
Improving 7
Semi Ajayi
His positing was questionable at times, but overall Ajayi was a strong and commanding presence at the back – with the Nigerian comfortably shacking the threat of Firmino.
Towering 7
Kyle Bartley
It’s ridiculous that his goal was disallowed for Matt Phillips being offside, utterly ridiculous. That moment aside, Bartley had a good game. But he may feel disappointed he didn’t clear the ball in the build-up to Salah’s equaliser.
Robbed 7
Conor Townsend
Just like Furlong, Townsend has gone from strength to strength under Sam Allardyce. It’s not easy when you are up against Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah, but the 28-year-old can be pleased with how he acquitted himself.
Committed 7
Matt Phillips
Deployed on the right of midfield in a 4-4-1-1 system, Phillips worked hard and provided Furlong with plenty of protection.
Energetic 6
Okay Yokuslu
The Turkish international has been brilliant ever since he arrived on loan form Celta Vigo. But he does look better when he is allowed to focus on the defensive side of the game in a midfield three, rather than the two used here.
Steady 6
Conor Gallagher
As always, the Chelsea loanee fizzed about the pitch breaking up play. The youngster does, though, need to show a touch more composure on the ball.
Fizzed 6
Grady Diangana
A first start since January for the winger who did look rusty at times. Diangana did well defensively but wasn’t able to show his quality going forward. Still, it was nice to see him back in the side.
Rusty 5
Matheus Pereira
Back in the number 10 role having been utilised out wide in recent weeks, Pereira gave everything and played a brilliant pass to set up Hal Robson-Kanu’s goal.
Vision 7
Hal Robson-Kanu
The striker has his critics and it was a surprise to see him given a first league start of the campaign. But Robson-Kanu scored a brilliant goal and would have had a second but for a smart stop from Alisson. He could be very useful next season.
Bright 7
Substitutes
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (for Diangana 73), Jake Livermore (for Yokuslu 75), Karlan Grant (for Robson-Kanu 82).
Not used: Button, Peltier, O’Shea, Gardner-Hickman, Robinson, Diagne.
