Liverpool 2-0 West Brom
Liverpool continued their unbeaten start to the season and made it 19 home games without defeat, but made hard work of finishing off a West Brom side who were reduced to 10 men in the first half.
With a starting line up that on paper appeared to be the strongest side which Gerard Houllier has selected this season, Liverpool were quickly on the attack, and within minutes of the kick off, Bruno Cheyrou went close with a wonderful left foot volley from the far corner of the 18 yard box, direct from Murphy's well delivered corner. The Frenchman saw his effort go fly across the goal though, just over the cross bar, preventing a a spectacular first goal for his new club.
West Brom came closer opening the scoring though, and only a fine save by Jerzy Dudek at full stretch frmo a shot which was swerving intot he top corner could keep the Reds from falling behind.
It was one way traffic for the remainder of the half though, and Liverpool really should have been ahead at the break.
Michael Owen looked to have rounded West Brom's 'keeper, Russel Hoult, before he was grabbed by Hoult and hauled to the ground, earning the WBA number one a red card, and paving the way for a debut for Joe Murphy, the goalkeeper recently signed from Tranmere.
It was a dream start for Murphy as he saved a weakly hit penalty by Owen, who then missed another great opportunity soon after, curling a shot just inches wide of the far post after a pacy run towards goal with only the keeper to beat.
It was a frustrating half overall, and other than the three shots at goal by Cheyrou and Owen, Liverpool created very little, with West Brom defending in numbers and dealing with most of Liverpool's attacks quite comfortably.
There were no changes at half time by Houllier, who opted to give his original starting XI a little longer to break the deadlock, and soon after the interval, Milan Baros did just that.
An cross from the right side by Gerrard was floated towards the back post, and Baros was on the end of it, simply cushioning the ball to keep it down, and directing it towards the top corner of the Kop goal, giving Joe Murphy no chance and wheeling away in delight to celebrate in front of the Kop. It was Baros' third goal in just two starts, and all have been of the highest quality.
Emile Heskey replaced the Czech midway through the half, to partner Michael Owen up front, who was having another frustrating day in front of goal. After a good build up on the right, Owen was givent he ball int he area, and from twelve yards out, he hit a powerful shot at goal, but Murphy somehow reacted quick enough to make the save and keep Owen waiting even longer for his first goal of the season from open play.
Owen was credited with an assist though, in the final seconds of the game.
Danny Murphy did well to keep possesion on the right after a slip almost gave the ball away, and his cross to the far post was controlled perfectly by Owen, and after finding Riise with a short pass, Riise rifled a low shot in off the far post to guarantee that Liverpool would be taking all three points.
It took longer in coming than most would have expected, especially after West Brom went down to 10 men, but it was a thoroughly deserved win which moves Liverpool into second place.
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