Sadio Mane gave the defending champion an early lead after twelve minutes. The team of star coach Jürgen Klopp was unable to make an early decision despite almost 80 percent possession and a multitude of possibilities.
In the final phase, the master suddenly began to falter and the outsider with the new coach Sam Allardyce became more cheeky. First Karlan Grant failed in the 72nd minute to Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker. Ten minutes later, the Brazilian had no chance: After a corner, a header from Semi Ajayi went from the inside post into the goal. Roberto Firmino missed the winner in the finish with a header, West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone steered the ball around the post.
More bitter news for Klopp: Central defender Joel Matip had to be replaced after almost 60 minutes with an injury to the groin. Especially in the middle of the defense there are few alternatives after the long-term failures of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. At the end of the year, Liverpool will be visiting medium-sized Newcastle United on Wednesday.
No winner in hit
The big game for Christmas ended without a winner on Saturday. Record champions Manchester United did not get more than 2-2 (1: 1) at Leicester City on traditional Boxing Day on the second holiday despite two leaders and are fourth with 27 points behind the football champions of 2016 (28) and Everton (29).
In an even first half in Leicester, Marcus Rashford (23rd) scored for Manchester and Harvey Barnes (31st) for the hosts. After the break, the guests had more of the game, substitute Edinson Cavani served Bruno Fernandes (79th), who scored his tenth goal of the season. Shortly before the end, an own goal by Axel Tuanzebe saved the draw for Leicester, the “Joker” had deflected a degree from star striker Jamie Vardy (85th).
England international Rashford celebrated his 50th goal in the English top division at the age of 23 years and 56 days. Only Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo were younger with this brand in the “Red Devils” jersey. Former ÖFB captain Christian Fuchs sat on the bench for 90 minutes.
Southampton with coach Ralph Hasenhüttl came at Fulham only to a 0-0. The guests hit the bar once, in the finish two goals were denied for offside. “Without Vestergaard, Romeu and Ings we did a good job. We had better chances and scored two goals. One was a very close offside, but a fantastic move, ”said Hasenhüttl. His team fell behind Aston Villa (3-0 against Crystal Palace) and Manchester City (2-0 against Newcastle) to ninth place.
Chelsea lose at Arsenal
Chelsea suffered an away defeat at Arsenal. The “Gunners” prevailed on Saturday evening thanks to goals from Alexandre Lacazette (35th minute / penalty kick), Granit Xhaka (44th) and Bukayo Saka (56th) with 3: 1 (2: 0) and secured their fifth Season success, are 14th but still in the lower midfield of the table.
The “Blues”, for which Tammy Abraham (86th) scored and Jorginho missed a penalty in stoppage time, slipped to seventh after the fourth defeat.
