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Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana admits it would have been a long international break without a confidence-enhancing win over West Brom.
The B£23million summer signing from Southampton opened his account for the Reds with a well-worked goal having combined with Jordan Henderson, who grabbed the winner after Saido Berahino had converted a second-half penalty.
It ended a run of three league matches without a win and Liverpool's first three points since August 31 against Tottenham – easily their best performance this season – sending the players away to play for their countries with a bit more of a spring in their step.
"It is huge because it is two weeks and if you get an indifferent result and are dwelling on it it can last forever," said the England international.
"We know it was a poor team result in Basle (where England lost 1-0 in their second Champions League outing) but three days later we got another game and we used that to our advantage, took it and got three points."
Lallana was a boyhood Everton fan but you would not have guessed it from the way he celebrated after drilling a low shot across Ben Foster just before half-time.
The 26-year-old has had a frustrating start to his Liverpool career after a knee injury in pre-season sidelined him for more than a month.
"I think a lot of my feelings were represented in my celebration," he told LFC TV.
"It was a proud moment with a bit of relief as it's always nice to get off the mark.
"I got nine in the league last season so it would be nice to get double figures, especially when Studge (Daniel Sturridge) is out injured we have to chip in and get goals.
"If we do that we will find ourselves winning a lot more games."
In his last couple of games, Lallana is starting to show the quick feet and quick-wittedness manager Brendan Rodgers believes will help knit together the midfield and forward line and make his side a more potent attacking force.
"I thought he was very good. His intensity and work-rate was exceptional and he showed his quality," said the Reds boss.
"I am delighted for him; he is a wonderfully technically gifted player and he scored a wonderful goal."
Rodgers also reserved praise for Henderson, whose second-half performance in particular not only showed how he has embraced the vice-captaincy but also the benefit of him being allowed to play further forward.
"We flipped the midfield triangle about, which gives Jordan more licence to go into the corridor," added Rodgers.
"He is one of the few players in the country who can really dominate without the ball with his running capacity and Saturday was about trying to get him forward that bit more and encourage him to go.
"That forward run allows him to offer the combination for Adam on the first goal and the second goal he arrives in the box and finishes really well.
"It was a big performance for him. His confidence level is very good.
"As a player has wonderful physical capacity and he has great running ability but he has lovely technique on the ball.
"He is playing in a structure where he understands his lines of pass and he knows his role is to create goals and score goals.
"I was delighted for him because it is something we have been encouraging him to do, arrive in the box more."
West Brom's stand-out performer was England Under-21 international Berahino, who kept the Liverpool defence busy all afternoon with his movement.
His penalty was his fourth goal in three matches but his manager believes once he can consistently finish better he will be even more of a handful.
"Everyone is talking about Saido at the moment and understandably so as he is a really talented young player but he is going to miss chances," said Baggies boss Alan Irvine.
"He still has plenty of things to work on, he knows that and he's level-headed, professional, and I have no doubt he will continue to improve.
"I thought he was a handful for Liverpool and he needs to be that little bit more clinical at times but he will get that as he works on his finishing after every session."
PA
.
Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana admits it would have been a long international break without a confidence-enhancing win over West Brom.
The B£23million summer signing from Southampton opened his account for the Reds with a well-worked goal having combined with Jordan Henderson, who grabbed the winner after Saido Berahino had converted a second-half penalty.
It ended a run of three league matches without a win and Liverpool's first three points since August 31 against Tottenham – easily their best performance this season – sending the players away to play for their countries with a bit more of a spring in their step.
"It is huge because it is two weeks and if you get an indifferent result and are dwelling on it it can last forever," said the England international.
"We know it was a poor team result in Basle (where England lost 1-0 in their second Champions League outing) but three days later we got another game and we used that to our advantage, took it and got three points."
Lallana was a boyhood Everton fan but you would not have guessed it from the way he celebrated after drilling a low shot across Ben Foster just before half-time.
The 26-year-old has had a frustrating start to his Liverpool career after a knee injury in pre-season sidelined him for more than a month.
"I think a lot of my feelings were represented in my celebration," he told LFC TV.
"It was a proud moment with a bit of relief as it's always nice to get off the mark.
"I got nine in the league last season so it would be nice to get double figures, especially when Studge (Daniel Sturridge) is out injured we have to chip in and get goals.
"If we do that we will find ourselves winning a lot more games."
In his last couple of games, Lallana is starting to show the quick feet and quick-wittedness manager Brendan Rodgers believes will help knit together the midfield and forward line and make his side a more potent attacking force.
"I thought he was very good. His intensity and work-rate was exceptional and he showed his quality," said the Reds boss.
"I am delighted for him; he is a wonderfully technically gifted player and he scored a wonderful goal."
Rodgers also reserved praise for Henderson, whose second-half performance in particular not only showed how he has embraced the vice-captaincy but also the benefit of him being allowed to play further forward.
"We flipped the midfield triangle about, which gives Jordan more licence to go into the corridor," added Rodgers.
"He is one of the few players in the country who can really dominate without the ball with his running capacity and Saturday was about trying to get him forward that bit more and encourage him to go.
"That forward run allows him to offer the combination for Adam on the first goal and the second goal he arrives in the box and finishes really well.
"It was a big performance for him. His confidence level is very good.
"As a player has wonderful physical capacity and he has great running ability but he has lovely technique on the ball.
"He is playing in a structure where he understands his lines of pass and he knows his role is to create goals and score goals.
"I was delighted for him because it is something we have been encouraging him to do, arrive in the box more."
West Brom's stand-out performer was England Under-21 international Berahino, who kept the Liverpool defence busy all afternoon with his movement.
His penalty was his fourth goal in three matches but his manager believes once he can consistently finish better he will be even more of a handful.
"Everyone is talking about Saido at the moment and understandably so as he is a really talented young player but he is going to miss chances," said Baggies boss Alan Irvine.
"He still has plenty of things to work on, he knows that and he's level-headed, professional, and I have no doubt he will continue to improve.
"I thought he was a handful for Liverpool and he needs to be that little bit more clinical at times but he will get that as he works on his finishing after every session."
PA
.
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Goals from Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson earned Liverpool an important first win in four Premier League games on Saturday. Max Munton was at Anfield to rate the players.
SIMON MIGNOLET – 6.5
The Belgian’s save from Saido Berahino’s shot shortly before Liverpool opened the scoring proved a big moment in a game in which he was largely untroubled by the Baggies’ attack.
Vote Mignolet as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
JAVIER MANQUILLO – 6
Manquillo may look to improve the physical side of his game, while a weak shot in the first half trickled well wide of Ben Foster’s goal.
Vote Manquillo as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
MARTIN SKRTEL – 7
A strong performance by Liverpool’s leader in defence, Skrtel held off any danger West Brom caused.
Vote for Skrtel as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
DEJAN LOVREN – 6
Lovren looked more comfortable in Liverpool’s defence and worked well with the other three defenders to hold a strong back line, but will be disappointed to have conceded a second-half penalty.
Vote Lovren as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
ALBERTO MORENO – 7
Another impressive display from the Spaniard, making the use of the full left wing to cause West Brom problems. However, the 22-year-old would do well to track back quicker from attacking plays.
Vote Moreno as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
STEVEN GERRARD – 7
A more confident Gerrard took a stronghold on dictating the game with 95% pass accuracy, switching play with great effectiveness. A brief cameo late on in his old attacking midfield role was too brief to make judgement.
Vote for Gerrard as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
PHILIPPE COUTINHO – 6
The Brazilian looked exciting in the first-half, and would likely have contributed more to the game with closer support to give him options. A solid catalyst between midfield and attack.
Vote for Coutinho as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
RAHEEM STERLING – 6
The 19-year-old had a frustrating afternoon meeting passes with a heavy first touch. The England international must find a way to play well consistently when others around him aren’t, but it’s easy to forget how young he is. Still, he did well to keep composed under pressure and set up Henderson’s winner.
Vote for Sterling as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
JORDAN HENDERSON – 8
A rare mistake to gift possession to West Brom in the first half nearly resulted in the Baggies taking the lead, but Henderson went on to have an inspirational game in the middle of the park. In another stirling leadership performance, he took his winning goal expertly and his backheel for Lallana’s opener was a touch of class.
Vote for Henderson as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
ADAM LALLANA – 8
This may be seen as Lallana’s breakthrough game at Liverpool having improved match-on-match as he reaches full fitness. He scored his first goal for the club with a great finish, finding exciting cohesion with his teammates with a workhorse-like attitude until the late stages of the game.
Vote for Lallana as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
RICKIE LAMBERT – 5
Lambert unfortunately often looked off the pace, isolated without a partner up front, but will only improve with game time.
Vote for Lambert as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
Substitutes
GLEN JOHNSON (on for Manquillo 64) – 6
Highly criticised before his recent injury, the England right-back returned to the team with a solid and strong performance. His experience can serve Liverpool well over the next few months, and Manquillo should look to absorb education from the 30-year-old.
LUCAS LEIVA (on for Coutinho 75) – 6
Lucas’ 75th minute introduction allowed Gerrard to go forward without disrupting Liverpool’s shape. He looked confident in his role, and covered a large area of the pitch.
MARIO BALOTELLI (on for Lambert 65) – 5
Balotelli, like Lambert, looked isolated up front and both strikers must be relishing the return of Daniel Sturridge from injury to feed the runs they desperately crave.
Who was your Man of the Match? Let us know in the comments section below.
.
Goals from Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson earned Liverpool an important first win in four Premier League games on Saturday. Max Munton was at Anfield to rate the players.
SIMON MIGNOLET – 6.5
The Belgian’s save from Saido Berahino’s shot shortly before Liverpool opened the scoring proved a big moment in a game in which he was largely untroubled by the Baggies’ attack.
Vote Mignolet as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
JAVIER MANQUILLO – 6
Manquillo may look to improve the physical side of his game, while a weak shot in the first half trickled well wide of Ben Foster’s goal.
Vote Manquillo as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
MARTIN SKRTEL – 7
A strong performance by Liverpool’s leader in defence, Skrtel held off any danger West Brom caused.
Vote for Skrtel as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
DEJAN LOVREN – 6
Lovren looked more comfortable in Liverpool’s defence and worked well with the other three defenders to hold a strong back line, but will be disappointed to have conceded a second-half penalty.
Vote Lovren as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
ALBERTO MORENO – 7
Another impressive display from the Spaniard, making the use of the full left wing to cause West Brom problems. However, the 22-year-old would do well to track back quicker from attacking plays.
Vote Moreno as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
STEVEN GERRARD – 7
A more confident Gerrard took a stronghold on dictating the game with 95% pass accuracy, switching play with great effectiveness. A brief cameo late on in his old attacking midfield role was too brief to make judgement.
Vote for Gerrard as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
PHILIPPE COUTINHO – 6
The Brazilian looked exciting in the first-half, and would likely have contributed more to the game with closer support to give him options. A solid catalyst between midfield and attack.
Vote for Coutinho as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
RAHEEM STERLING – 6
The 19-year-old had a frustrating afternoon meeting passes with a heavy first touch. The England international must find a way to play well consistently when others around him aren’t, but it’s easy to forget how young he is. Still, he did well to keep composed under pressure and set up Henderson’s winner.
Vote for Sterling as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
JORDAN HENDERSON – 8
A rare mistake to gift possession to West Brom in the first half nearly resulted in the Baggies taking the lead, but Henderson went on to have an inspirational game in the middle of the park. In another stirling leadership performance, he took his winning goal expertly and his backheel for Lallana’s opener was a touch of class.
Vote for Henderson as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
ADAM LALLANA – 8
This may be seen as Lallana’s breakthrough game at Liverpool having improved match-on-match as he reaches full fitness. He scored his first goal for the club with a great finish, finding exciting cohesion with his teammates with a workhorse-like attitude until the late stages of the game.
Vote for Lallana as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
RICKIE LAMBERT – 5
Lambert unfortunately often looked off the pace, isolated without a partner up front, but will only improve with game time.
Vote for Lambert as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
Substitutes
GLEN JOHNSON (on for Manquillo 64) – 6
Highly criticised before his recent injury, the England right-back returned to the team with a solid and strong performance. His experience can serve Liverpool well over the next few months, and Manquillo should look to absorb education from the 30-year-old.
LUCAS LEIVA (on for Coutinho 75) – 6
Lucas’ 75th minute introduction allowed Gerrard to go forward without disrupting Liverpool’s shape. He looked confident in his role, and covered a large area of the pitch.
MARIO BALOTELLI (on for Lambert 65) – 5
Balotelli, like Lambert, looked isolated up front and both strikers must be relishing the return of Daniel Sturridge from injury to feed the runs they desperately crave.
Who was your Man of the Match? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admitted the win was all that mattered as his side squeezed past West Brom 2-1 to register a much-needed first victory in four Barclays Premier League matches.
Having gone ahead through Adam Lallana's maiden goal for the club on the stroke of half-time, a disputed Saido Berahino penalty – Dejan Lovren's foul appeared to be outside the area – pegged the Reds back.
However, Jordan Henderson's goal on the hour, after Liverpool had claims for their own spot-kick turned down in the build-up, secured three points.
"The behaviours in this group are very honest and they are full of character and that gives me hope as a manager," Rodgers said.
"As we work more together the quality of our game will improve and the performance will improve but you have to find a way to win and today we did that.
"That was against a team coming in with good confidence having won 4-0 last week.
"They keep clean sheets, they are difficult to beat and we found a way to break through that resistance and win.
"It was vital for us before the international break."
Rodgers was annoyed with the penalty decision and even West Brom boss Alan Irvine found it difficult to agree with referee Michael Oliver's assertion the foul had been committed inside the area.
"It was never a penalty," Rodgers said.
"It was fairly straightforward in this country where if the referee needed any help he would look at the linesman – now if they think it is a penalty the linesman has to make a run down towards the corner flag.
"I thought the linesman was slow so I didn't know if he was running or walking so then the referee had to make the call himself and he made the wrong call because it wasn't a penalty.
"Thankfully we went on and maybe had a penalty ourselves but luckily for Michael we scored."
Irvine's take on the spot-kick was similar.
"My first reaction was to ask Jon Moss (fourth official) if it was inside the box and he said Michael Oliver thought it was.
"I looked at it and I was looking to see if Michael was going to give a free-kick on the edge of the box or give a penalty and I was delighted he gave a penalty but I really wasn't sure."
Rodgers dropped Mario Balotelli to the bench after one goal in seven matches since his B£16million move from AC Milan but he played that down.
Asked how the often moody Italy international, who came on as a second-half substitute, took the news, the Reds boss said: "I'm not sure. He accepts what the position is.
"He is still looking to gain fitness, he has played games. His reaction was fine, he came on and did his best."
On a positive front, Rodgers expects to have Daniel Sturridge fully fit by the time the league programme resumes in a fortnight.
"I was hoping he would be (available) but he wasn't, he said.
"But certainly from now, he'll have the course of the international break to get ready, and he'll be fine for QPR."
West Brom boss Irvine thought his side deserved a draw.
"I was a bit disappointed in the way we used the ball in the first half, I felt we needed to show a little but more self-belief and courage when we were in possession," he said.
"The goal just before half-time was disappointing because it changes the mood in the stadium.
"I challenged the players to show more courage with the ball and I felt as if we did that in the second half.
"We really took the game to Liverpool for large periods and my biggest fear was we'd get done on the counter-attack – and when you come to Anfield it is not something you expect to say too often."
PA
.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admitted the win was all that mattered as his side squeezed past West Brom 2-1 to register a much-needed first victory in four Barclays Premier League matches.
Having gone ahead through Adam Lallana's maiden goal for the club on the stroke of half-time, a disputed Saido Berahino penalty – Dejan Lovren's foul appeared to be outside the area – pegged the Reds back.
However, Jordan Henderson's goal on the hour, after Liverpool had claims for their own spot-kick turned down in the build-up, secured three points.
"The behaviours in this group are very honest and they are full of character and that gives me hope as a manager," Rodgers said.
"As we work more together the quality of our game will improve and the performance will improve but you have to find a way to win and today we did that.
"That was against a team coming in with good confidence having won 4-0 last week.
"They keep clean sheets, they are difficult to beat and we found a way to break through that resistance and win.
"It was vital for us before the international break."
Rodgers was annoyed with the penalty decision and even West Brom boss Alan Irvine found it difficult to agree with referee Michael Oliver's assertion the foul had been committed inside the area.
"It was never a penalty," Rodgers said.
"It was fairly straightforward in this country where if the referee needed any help he would look at the linesman – now if they think it is a penalty the linesman has to make a run down towards the corner flag.
"I thought the linesman was slow so I didn't know if he was running or walking so then the referee had to make the call himself and he made the wrong call because it wasn't a penalty.
"Thankfully we went on and maybe had a penalty ourselves but luckily for Michael we scored."
Irvine's take on the spot-kick was similar.
"My first reaction was to ask Jon Moss (fourth official) if it was inside the box and he said Michael Oliver thought it was.
"I looked at it and I was looking to see if Michael was going to give a free-kick on the edge of the box or give a penalty and I was delighted he gave a penalty but I really wasn't sure."
Rodgers dropped Mario Balotelli to the bench after one goal in seven matches since his B£16million move from AC Milan but he played that down.
Asked how the often moody Italy international, who came on as a second-half substitute, took the news, the Reds boss said: "I'm not sure. He accepts what the position is.
"He is still looking to gain fitness, he has played games. His reaction was fine, he came on and did his best."
On a positive front, Rodgers expects to have Daniel Sturridge fully fit by the time the league programme resumes in a fortnight.
"I was hoping he would be (available) but he wasn't, he said.
"But certainly from now, he'll have the course of the international break to get ready, and he'll be fine for QPR."
West Brom boss Irvine thought his side deserved a draw.
"I was a bit disappointed in the way we used the ball in the first half, I felt we needed to show a little but more self-belief and courage when we were in possession," he said.
"The goal just before half-time was disappointing because it changes the mood in the stadium.
"I challenged the players to show more courage with the ball and I felt as if we did that in the second half.
"We really took the game to Liverpool for large periods and my biggest fear was we'd get done on the counter-attack – and when you come to Anfield it is not something you expect to say too often."
PA
.
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We are sorry the page you requested cannot be found at the moment.
If you use a bookmark to enter this site, please go to our home page, find the appropriate page and update your bookmark accordingly.
This may only be a temporary problem, so you can try hitting your browser's refresh button, however if the problem persists please get in touch by emailing us.
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Liverpool 2-1 West Brom
Liverpool secured a vital three points courtesy of goals from Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson. It wasn’t easy though with Dejan Lovren being adjudged to have fouled inside the box resulting in West Brom equalising from the penalty spot midway through the second half.
Striker Mario Balotelli's demotion to the bench coincided with Liverpool's first win in four league matches but other factors contributed to the victory.
Adam Lallana's first goal for the club and a cool finish from Jordan Henderson, capping an impressive second-half individual performance, took some of the focus off the misfiring Italy international who came in for some criticism from manager Brendan Rodgers this week.
But it was far from straightforward as Saido Berahino's fourth goal in three matches made things uncomfortable for a time just after half-time.
Rodgers made a bold decision in dropping his B£16million signing from AC Milan after just one goal and some less-than-impressive displays in seven appearances.
In the continued absence of Daniel Sturridge, still not fit from a thigh injury sustained on England duty which has ruled him out of next week's Euro 2016 qualifiers, the only other option was to hand Rickie Lambert, making the 550th appearance of his career, his first league start for the club he rejoined in the summer.
While it did not pay off in terms of goal threat he did at least provide a greater work-rate up front, closing down the opponent in possession, but looked short of confidence and sharpness.
A couple of half-chances came his way which he would most likely have buried first time during his Southampton days, but the burden of responsibility is greater at Anfield and he almost always took a second touch which invariably gave defenders that split-second to recover.
His best attempt was parried by goalkeeper Ben Foster after his England team-mate had instantly killed Martin Skrtel's long pass out of defence and rattled off a shot.
The ploy of playing Philippe Coutinho deeper, almost alongside Steven Gerrard on occasions, meant the Brazil international saw plenty of the ball but he has yet to rediscover his knack of playing the pass which unlocks defences.
A positive aspect of the tweak to the formation was Henderson getting further forward, putting him in a position to contribute both offensively and defensively as he was the one, along with Lambert, who provided the energy to press the opponent in possession.
But the 24-year-old is much more than a willing runner and it was his touch and vision which laid on the assist for the goal a minute before half-time.
The build-up involved two delicious backheels, one from Lallana which gave him the extra yard to change direction and drive into the penalty area where he exchanged passes with Henderson, who produced the second neat flick, before firing low across Foster and inside the far post.
To be fair to West Brom the goal came against the run of play as it was they and not the hosts who had knocked the ball about confidently and created the better chances.
The best of which saw the impressive Berahino plant a free header over the crossbar from Sebastien Pocognoli's cross and force Simon Mignolet to parry a fierce shot after Javi Manquillo's backpass fell short.
Questions have been asked of Liverpool's goalkeeper this season, particularly considering their vulnerability at set-pieces, but twice when he came for corners he punched clear.
He was given little chance with West Brom's equaliser, however, as referee Mike Oliver ruled Dejan Lovren had brought down Berahino inside the area and the Baggies forward picked himself up to fire home from the spot.
Oliver was in no mood to given Sterling a penalty when he appeared to be barged over by Craig Gardener but the winger staggered to his feet and cut the ball back to Henderson who side-footed home for his first goal since March 30.
Lambert departed, along with Manquillo, as Balotelli and Glen Johnson – back from a thigh injury – came on and the Italy international soon curled a low shot just wide of Foster's left-hand post.
A late move saw Coutinho replaced by Lucas Leiva, freeing Gerrard to revisit the number 10 role he played so well for so long before assuming his deep-lying role in an attempt to bring the best out of Balotelli.
That may need some work, however, as aside from one long-range shot the Italian's only other chance came in added time when Foster saved with his legs at his near post.
PA
Liverpool: Mignolet, Manquillo (Johnson), Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno, Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana, Coutinho (Lucas), Sterling, Lambert (Balotelli).
Subs not used: Jones, Toure, Markovic, Borini.
West Brom: Foster, Gamboa, Lescott, Dawson, Pocognoli, Dorrans, Morrison, Gardner, Brunt, Sessegnon, Berahino.
Subs: Myhill, McAuley, Mulumbu, Blanco, Yacob, Baird, Samaras.
Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 44,708
.
Liverpool 2-1 West Brom
Liverpool secured a vital three points courtesy of goals from Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson. It wasn’t easy though with Dejan Lovren being adjudged to have fouled inside the box resulting in West Brom equalising from the penalty spot midway through the second half.
Striker Mario Balotelli's demotion to the bench coincided with Liverpool's first win in four league matches but other factors contributed to the victory.
Adam Lallana's first goal for the club and a cool finish from Jordan Henderson, capping an impressive second-half individual performance, took some of the focus off the misfiring Italy international who came in for some criticism from manager Brendan Rodgers this week.
But it was far from straightforward as Saido Berahino's fourth goal in three matches made things uncomfortable for a time just after half-time.
Rodgers made a bold decision in dropping his B£16million signing from AC Milan after just one goal and some less-than-impressive displays in seven appearances.
In the continued absence of Daniel Sturridge, still not fit from a thigh injury sustained on England duty which has ruled him out of next week's Euro 2016 qualifiers, the only other option was to hand Rickie Lambert, making the 550th appearance of his career, his first league start for the club he rejoined in the summer.
While it did not pay off in terms of goal threat he did at least provide a greater work-rate up front, closing down the opponent in possession, but looked short of confidence and sharpness.
A couple of half-chances came his way which he would most likely have buried first time during his Southampton days, but the burden of responsibility is greater at Anfield and he almost always took a second touch which invariably gave defenders that split-second to recover.
His best attempt was parried by goalkeeper Ben Foster after his England team-mate had instantly killed Martin Skrtel's long pass out of defence and rattled off a shot.
The ploy of playing Philippe Coutinho deeper, almost alongside Steven Gerrard on occasions, meant the Brazil international saw plenty of the ball but he has yet to rediscover his knack of playing the pass which unlocks defences.
A positive aspect of the tweak to the formation was Henderson getting further forward, putting him in a position to contribute both offensively and defensively as he was the one, along with Lambert, who provided the energy to press the opponent in possession.
But the 24-year-old is much more than a willing runner and it was his touch and vision which laid on the assist for the goal a minute before half-time.
The build-up involved two delicious backheels, one from Lallana which gave him the extra yard to change direction and drive into the penalty area where he exchanged passes with Henderson, who produced the second neat flick, before firing low across Foster and inside the far post.
To be fair to West Brom the goal came against the run of play as it was they and not the hosts who had knocked the ball about confidently and created the better chances.
The best of which saw the impressive Berahino plant a free header over the crossbar from Sebastien Pocognoli's cross and force Simon Mignolet to parry a fierce shot after Javi Manquillo's backpass fell short.
Questions have been asked of Liverpool's goalkeeper this season, particularly considering their vulnerability at set-pieces, but twice when he came for corners he punched clear.
He was given little chance with West Brom's equaliser, however, as referee Mike Oliver ruled Dejan Lovren had brought down Berahino inside the area and the Baggies forward picked himself up to fire home from the spot.
Oliver was in no mood to given Sterling a penalty when he appeared to be barged over by Craig Gardener but the winger staggered to his feet and cut the ball back to Henderson who side-footed home for his first goal since March 30.
Lambert departed, along with Manquillo, as Balotelli and Glen Johnson – back from a thigh injury – came on and the Italy international soon curled a low shot just wide of Foster's left-hand post.
A late move saw Coutinho replaced by Lucas Leiva, freeing Gerrard to revisit the number 10 role he played so well for so long before assuming his deep-lying role in an attempt to bring the best out of Balotelli.
That may need some work, however, as aside from one long-range shot the Italian's only other chance came in added time when Foster saved with his legs at his near post.
PA
Liverpool: Mignolet, Manquillo (Johnson), Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno, Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana, Coutinho (Lucas), Sterling, Lambert (Balotelli).
Subs not used: Jones, Toure, Markovic, Borini.
West Brom: Foster, Gamboa, Lescott, Dawson, Pocognoli, Dorrans, Morrison, Gardner, Brunt, Sessegnon, Berahino.
Subs: Myhill, McAuley, Mulumbu, Blanco, Yacob, Baird, Samaras.
Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 44,708
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