Liverpool Echo: Liverpool 0-1 West Brom

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Liverpool came crashing back down to earth after their FA Cup semi-final triumph over Everton as they were beaten 1-0 by West Brom in the Premier League.

It proved to be a glorious return to Merseyside for Roy Hodgson who was back at Anfield for the first time since he was sacked by the Reds 15 months ago.

The Reds paid the price for a host of missed chances and they were twice denied by the woodwork as long periods of domination went unrewarded.

West Brom were under the cosh for most of the afternoon but with 15 minutes to go they were handed the breakthrough as Peter Odemwingie punished Glen Johnson's blunder.

It was the Baggies' first goal at Anfield since Garth Crooks in 1985 and they held on for their first win at Anfield since 1967.

Dalglish made four changes from the side which beat the Blues 2-1 at Wembley to reach the FA Cup final eight days earlier.

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina returned from suspension to replace Brad Jones, while there were also recalls for Jose Enrique, Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt.

Skipper Steven Gerrard was rested with a minor hamstring injury with Jamie Carragher and Stewart Downing dropping to the bench.

The Reds started brightly and should have led inside 10 minutes. Andy Carroll robbed Youssuf Mulumbu and found Luis Suarez who burst forward and released the ball into the path of Dirk Kuyt. The Dutchman had only Ben Foster to beat but side footed wastefully wide.

Liverpool continued to dominate but as has been the story so often at Anfield this season they failed to make it count.

They should have had a penalty when Maxi Rodriguez was clumsily tripped by Billy Jones but referee Neil Swarbrick waved away the appeals for a spot-kick.

Andy Carroll sent a looping header narrowly wide before Liam Ridgewell flung himself into the path of Suarez's goal-bound shot.

In the 24th minute Johnson and Suarez combined to carve the Baggies apart. Suarez's fierce strike was parried by Foster and Rodriguez lashed the rebound over the bar.

West Brom had barely threatened but Reina was called into action just before the half hour mark and made a fine reaction save to deny Chris Brunt.

Reina also kept out Ridgwell's point-blank volley but Liverpool were soon back in the ascendancy with Jay Spearing going close from long range.

Four minutes before the break Agger turned his way into space at the back post but his effort was turned behind by Foster.

In the second half it was a similar story and Jordan Henderson was inches away from ending his eight-month goal drought.

The midfielder latched on to Carroll's pass and lashed a shot against the underside of the bar. The ball struck the back of Foster but somehow stayed out.

Suarez then fired over from a tight angle before the Reds were left cursing their misfortune once again.

On the hour Kuyt's shot deflected off Ridgewell and left Foster beaten but bounced back off the far post.

Carroll headed over, Spearing's shot was blocked by the line by Brunt and then Henderson fired into the side netting as opportunities continued to be spurned.

Dalglish rung the chances with Craig Bellamy and Stewart Downing replacing Kuyt and Rodriguez.

However, with 15 minutes to go the Reds shot themselves in the foot. Johnson's error gifted the ball to Youssouf Mulumbu who set Odemwingie clear on goal and the Nigerian slotted past Reina.

Liverpool responded and Bellamy's curling effort was parried by Foster. Carroll latched on to the rebound but Olsson made the block and there was no way back.

Source: Liverpool Echo

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.