West Brom defeated Liverpool 2-0 through late goals from Gareth McAuley and Romelu Lukaku last night in the Premier League to go above the Reds in the table.

Liverpool looked lacklustre and their profligacy in front of goal once again cost them three valuable points.

Missing

New signing Daniel Sturridge has made a massive difference to the Reds since his arrival from Chelsea last month. The England international is already starting to look like he may fulfil his potential at Anfield.

More importantly he started to form an attacking partnership with Luis Suarez that looked very promising. Last night though he was sorely missed by the Reds, as they missed numerous chances to find the target.

Lacklustre

Everything about last night’s performance seemed lacklustre, even the fans seemed very quiet. Without Sturridge’s youthful energy up front the Reds didn’t look like the same team and despite the number of chances created you never felt like they were in complete control of the game.

Credit

You have to give West Brom some credit they produced a disciplined display and keeper Ben Foster was outstanding all game. His penalty save from Steven Gerrard was fantastic. The Baggies have been on a terrible run of late and this win will have given their confidence a huge boost.

Chance

Liverpool had the chance to move level on points with arch-rivals Everton had they beaten West Brom in this game and Swansea on Saturday. Two victories would have put the Reds back in with a chance of making the Champions League spots.

However, Brendan Rodgers team are now 12 points off fourth place Tottenham in ninth place and looking too far off the pace to finish in the top four this season. It looks like its back to the drawing board for Rodgers and his players.

Does Liverpool have to go back to the drawing board after Baggies defeat?