West Brom 1 Liverpool 2 - match analysis and pictures
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What began as a big chance ended as a major anti-climax, writes Steve Madeley. moreWest Bromwich Albion's flying start to the Steve Clarke era suffered its first Hawthorns jolt as the Baggies let a great opportunity slip through their fingers.
In the context of their fabulous few weeks, last night's Capital One Cup disappointment need only be a blip on the impressive upward curve that Clarke has overseen since arriving this summer.
Yet as Liverpool's impressive youngsters celebrated a comeback victory at the final whistle last night, it was difficult to view the new boss's first defeat on home soil as anything other than a huge chance missed.
The full-on tilt at cup glory that Clarke targeted and supporters craved will have to wait a little longer.
A goal ahead after just three minutes against a Liverpool side high on talent but low on experience, Albion's path to the last 16 was lit brightly ahead of them.
However, a Baggies team that should have been too canny for the Reds' relative rookies failed to make the most of an inviting situation and the best player on view inspired the visitors to an impressive success.
Standards
On-loan Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin bagged both Liverpool goals to cancel out Gabriel Tamas's opener and ensure he ended a hugely impressive evening on the winning side. But while Sahin and several of his unheralded team-mates caught the eye, too many of Albion's more established figures failed to live up to the club's high standards.
It was Ben Foster who allowed the Baggies' lead to evade his grasp.
Yet, while it was the Baggies keeper's uncharacteristic error that gifted Sahin his 17th-minute equaliser, he was not alone in falling below his Premier League standards.
And, by the time Sahin netted the Reds' winner with eight minutes to play, there was little doubt that Brendan Rodgers' side were worthy of a win that went some way to avenging their Premier League defeat on the opening day of the season.
Clarke had pledged to give the knockout competitions a real go and he delivered on his promise with a starting line-up that included six full internationals and six members his last league line-up. And they were rewarded after just three minutes as Liverpool youngster Andre Wisdom and goalkeeper Brad Jones combined to gift them the opening goal.
Wisdom chopped down Markus Rosenberg crudely and, when Jones fumbled Liam Ridgewell's free-kick, Tamas produced a composed finish.
It might have been 2-0 moments later when Romelu Lukaku left Jamie Carragher on his backside and crossed to Rosenberg but the Swede's shot was stopped at the near post by Jones.
And, despite the hosts dominating the opening exchanges, it could have been 1-1 when the Baggies allowed Oussama Assaidi to maraud down the left and his cross found Samed Yesil at the near post, but the German glanced a header wide.
Albion were enjoying a level of comfort so it came as a surprise when the Reds drew level through Foster's uncharacteristic error.
Sahin's long-range shot looked like a simple one for the Baggies No.1 but he allowed the ball to squirm past him at the near post as he conceded a goal at The Hawthorns for the first time in seven games.
There was a further setback for the Baggies when Ridgewell was forced off by an injury picked up in the build-up to the Reds' goal, with Craig Dawson on and a defensive reshuffle.
And the disruption contributed to a disjointed end to the half, although Albion threatened briefly when Graham Dorrans' cross-shot from a free-kick struck Wisdom's head and deflected just wide.
The Reds went close twice in the opening stages. First a shot by Yesil from the edge of the box was fumbled by Foster, who looked on with relief as it bounced into the ground and over the crossbar.
And then a curling 25-yard effort from Daniel Pacheco grazed the bar on its way into the Smethwick End.
But Albion regained a foothold when Rosenberg saw his goalbound shot palmed away by a diving Jones.
Liverpool's youngsters grew in confidence, however, and they went ahead with eight minutes remaining.
A clever run and pass by Suso sent Assaidi racing down the left and his cross was turned in at the far post by an unmarked Sahin.
The Baggies could have drawn level almost immediately when a chip to the far post by Jonas OIsson found Fortune, who saw his well-controlled volley saved well low down by Jones.
And, despite piling numbers forward in a frantic final few moments, the Baggies could not carve out another genuine chance as Liverpool's young guns repaid Rodgers' faith with a deserved win.
Albion (4-2-3-1): Foster; Jones, Tamas, Olsson, Ridgewell (Dawson, 22); Thorne, Mulumbu; Fortune (El Ghanassy, 88), Dorrans, Rosenberg; Lukaku (Long, 70). Subs not used: Berahino, McAuley, Yacob, L Daniels (gk).
Liverpool (4-3-3): Jones; Wisdom, Carragher, Coates, Robinson; Henderson, Sahin, Downing; Assaidi, Pacheco (Suso, 81), Yesil (Sinclair, 81). Subs not used: Sama, Sterling, Wilson, Coady, Gulacsi (gk).
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
Attendance: 21,164.
