Goals from Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson helped Liverpool to record a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at Anfield this afternoon.
The England internationals struck either side of the break and were separated by a converted penalty from visiting striker Saido Berahino.
Here, Sports Mole has looked back over the entire contest to determine if Liverpool were worthy victors, or whether the visiting Baggies deserved a share of the spoils for their efforts.
Match statistics
Liverpool
Shots: 19
On target: 7
Possession: 55%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 12
West Brom
Shots: 8
On target: 4
Possession: 45%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 15
Was the result fair?
Liverpool still have some way to go to reach the heights of last season, but they were the better side today. While West Brom defended astutely and were well organised, they didn't call home goalkeeper Simon Mignolet into action too often. In contrast, the Reds did have some good chances to add further goals, but their finishing was wayward on occasions. On another day West Brom may have nicked a point, but it would have been unjust.
Liverpool's performance
Before the game, Brendan Rodgers said that he was "looking for that performance to ignite our season at home". Did he get that? Probably not. This was by no means a free-flowing and energetic showing from Liverpool, but it was an improvement on recent weeks. Although he spurned some good openings, Rickie Lambert caused some problems with his workrate and he was backed up well by the likes of Raheem Sterling and Lallana.
A big difference today was the fact that Henderson threw caution to the wind on occasions and got himself in and around the West Brom penalty area. It gave the Baggies an extra player to contend with and he would go on to have a big say in both of Liverpool's goals. There is still plenty of room for improvement, but three points may well do wonders for the confidence levels, which have taken a battering in recent weeks.
West Brom's performance
Up until Lallana broke the deadlock in the closing stages of the first half, it had been the perfect away performance from Alan Irvine's side. They defended well, soaked up the pressure and every now and then looked dangerous on the counter-attack. The opening goal changed everything, but to be fair to the away team, they came out after the restart in positive mood and got their goal.
Ultimately, they have nothing to show for what was a decent shift, but there was plenty of positives for Irvine to look back on. His side look much more compact than they did earlier in the campaign.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Jordan Henderson: It seems that in today's game, midfielders are either defined as being defensive or attack-minded. Today, Henderson showed that you can be both. The England international has been accused of late of not getting into the opposition's penalty area enough this season, but his assist and goal showed just how effective he can be in the final third. Not that it came at a cost where his defensive duties were concerned, with countless interceptions and challenges being made by the 24-year-old.
Biggest gaffe
It feels a tad harsh to be handing this award to Berahino, because he put in a very mature performance as West Brom's lone striker, but with his team trailing 2-1, he did fluff a good headed chance to equalise. Chris Brunt's cross towards the back post was a good one, but the young frontman headed his effort from six yards out straight into the ground and Mignolet collected with ease.
Referee performance
There was big decision for Michael Oliver to make and he got it wrong. However, to be fair to the official, Dejan Lovren's foul on Berahino happened so quickly and was only half a yard outside of the penalty area. The West Brom frontman fell into the area and it's easy to understand why Oliver pointed to the spot. Aside from that, it was a positive afternoon's work from the 29-year-old.
What next?
Liverpool: After the international break, Rodgers will take his charges to West London for a clash with Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, October 19.
West Brom: A day later, the Baggies will play host to Liverpool's great rivals Manchester United.
Liam Apicella
