While Liverpool were impressive in their 2-1 win over West Brom, Tony Pulis' side played right into their hands by sitting too deep and making far too many errors in dangerous areas. Gareth McAuley's third goal of the season and some late pressure, albeit mainly from set pieces, showed what might have been for West Brom if Pulis had shown a bit more ambition going forward.
Positives
Very few of West Brom's starting XI could be satisfied with their performance, with Ben Foster, McAuley and the returning Jonas Olsson mounting a brave rear-guard action to keep the score down. The main positives came in the impact of substitutes James Morrison and Chris Brunt who helped West Brom to retain possession and provide more quality and energy going forward.
Negatives
The full back positions remain a huge area of concern. Craig Dawson has often been solid if unspectacular under Pulis but he was given a torrid time by Philippe Coutinho and was also poor in possession. Allan Nyom is playing in an unfamiliar role but was caught out of position far too often, particularly for Liverpool's first goal. The on-going poor form of Darren Fletcher will also be a worry for Pulis, who is so reliant on the Scot to drive his team forward.
Manager rating out of 10
5--As a whole the team played far too deep, with Pulis dropping Nacer Chadli into a third central midfield position rather than playing behind Salomon Rondon, meaning the Venezuelan was left isolated far too often. While his subs made an impact, the damage had already been done by the initial choice of personnel and tactics.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Ben Foster, 7-- Made a hash of his clearance for Liverpool's second but that was mainly due to a terrible Fletcher back pass. Kept the scoreline respectable with a series of saves, including a stunning stop from a Dejan Lovren header.
DF Craig Dawson, 5 -- Left for dead by Coutinho's dummy for Liverpool's first goal and was generally given a tough time throughout by the Brazilian. Struggled to provide crosses of sufficient quality when he was able to get forward.
DF Gareth McAuley, 7-- Made a couple of fantastic blocks although he will be disappointed by the way Coutinho beat him for Liverpool's second. A threat in the opposition box throughout, grabbing his third goal of the season with a calm finish.
DF Jonas Olsson, 7 -- His early season struggles were forgotten as he kept Liverpool at bay with a series of blocks, while also winning a couple of important headers. Far better in possession than in previous games, but likely to drop out next week for the returning Jonny Evans.
DF Allan Nyom, 5 -- His athletic ability helped get him out of trouble but those stemmed from him being constantly out of position. Misjudged his leap to head the ball clear for Liverpool's first goal.
MF Matt Phillips, 5 -- The Scotland International is still struggling to have any real impact from the right wing. Unable to beat makeshift full back James Milner when running at him and was rightly substituted early in the second half.
MF Claudio Yacob, 6 -- Made some important interceptions as Liverpool piled the pressure on the first half but like several of his team mates, gave the ball away too often and in poor areas of the pitch. Picked up his fifth booking of the season, meaning he misses next week's clash with Manchester City. MF Darren Fletcher, 5--His passing was again poor but what was more worrying was his poor decision making, a terrible chipped back pass and subsequent poor touch resulted in Liverpool's second goal.
MF Nacer Chadli, 6 -- Played too deep so was unable to have much of an impact going forward where he truly thrives. Still managed to create a couple of half chances for himself late on as West Brom finally applied some pressure.
MF James McClean, 6 -- Didn't manage to have the same impact as he's had in recent weeks offensively, but provided plenty of defensive cover for Nyom.
FW Salomon Rondon, 6 -- It's difficult not to feel sorry for the Venezuelan forward in games like this. No real service and often found in his own half helping the defensive effort, this match simply wasn't made for him.
Substitutes
MF Chris Brunt, 7 -- Had a real influence in his first appearance following a long-term injury. Used the ball cleverly and showed plenty of movement, while his set-piece delivery has been missed.
MF Craig Gardner, NR -- Through no fault of his own, his introduction in the past two games has swiftly been followed by the opposition scoring a late equaliser.