Liverpool ended their Premier League season with a draw at the Hawthorns and an eighth-place finish that means they will have to beat Sevilla in the Europa League final on Wednesday if there is to be European football at Anfield next season.
Jordon Ibe's first league goal cancelled out Salomon Rondon's opener and although the home side looked the more threatening, the result was just about fair as neither side did enough to win what was a typical end-of-season fixture with little at stake.
Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson made his return from injury as a second-half substitute and will surely now be in the 18-man squad on Wednesday, while the sight of the popular Danny Ings back on the field after a long-term knee injury was a welcome one.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Adam Bogdan, 5 -- Beaten far too easily on his near post for West Brom's goal and looked nervy any time he was called into action, which thankfully wasn't too often. This was surely his final appearance for the club.
DF Jon Flanagan, 6 -- Played within himself and rarely ventured forward. He's clearly not completely over his injury problems, but stuck to his task well defensively against James McLean and will be hoping to get a full preseason behind him to challenge for a regular place in 2016-17.
DF Martin Skrtel, 7 -- This may well have been his last appearance for the club and, if it was, he can be pleased as he performed his duties well without ever really being tested too much.
DF Lucas Leiva, 8 -- Defended soundly and was exemplary in possession, where his eye for a forward pass often put his side into good situations that were usually squandered by those ahead of him. Comfortably Liverpool's best player.
DF Brad Smith, 6 -- Started well and was a factor going forward, but soon found himself with his hands full against lively teenager Jonathan Leko. Harshly booked for what the referee interpreted as a dive when he was clearly caught by Jonas Olsson, Smith also delivered a beautiful late cross that really ought to have been converted by one of his teammates.
MF Kevin Stewart, 6 -- Rarely misplaced a pass and got through a lot of good work in front of his back four. One of the more pleasant surprises of the season.
MF Joe Allen, 5 -- A poor pass and halfhearted tackle contributed greatly to West Brom's opener and it didn't get much better for the Welshman, who didn't look himself all afternoon. Perhaps he was disheartened at being selected to start this game, as it suggests he will be back on the bench against Sevilla. Replaced midway through the second half by Henderson.
MF Cameron Brannagan, 7 -- An encouraging first Premier League start from the talented 20-year-old. He was bright and inventive and went close to scoring in the first half after a mazy dribble into the box. Rarely wasted a pass and showed great energy. He looks to have a bright future.
FW Jordon Ibe, 6 -- Made a very positive start to the game and scored a terrific equaliser with a fine run past several defenders and a cool finish. It's taken him a whopping 41 games to get his first league goal! Faded after scoring, though, and was substituted.
FW Sheyi Ojo, 5 -- Chose to shoot on his weaker foot instead of playing to Christian Benteke early in the first half and that set the tone for a disappointing display from the teenager. He saw a lot of the ball but did little with it, continually losing possession, although his work in tracking back was commendable.
FW Christian Benteke, 5 -- The striker cut a frustrated figure for much of the afternoon as his teammates played as though they were under specific instructions not to cross the ball into the box under any circumstances. That doesn't excuse his sloppiness in possession, though, which was typified when he blew a great late chance to win the game on the counter; he lost the ball embarrassingly after going on his own instead of squaring to an unmarked teammate.
Substitutes:
MF Jordan Henderson, 6 -- Proved his fitness ahead of Wednesday night by coming through a 25-minute run out without any problems. Didn't make much of an impression but will have been relieved to be involved.
FW Danny Ings, 6 -- Having missed seven months with a knee injury, the striker made a welcome return to action by replacing Ibe and turning in a typically enthusiastic display.
FW Sergi Canos, NR -- Handed a debut late on after spending the season on loan at Championship side Brentford. No real chance to make an impact.