Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Swansea

Liverpool's season of inconsistency continues to frustrate as they prepare to tackle Capital One Cup finalists Swansea at Anfield on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers' side earned deserved plaudits for their thrilling draws away to Arsenal and Manchester City, before coming unstuck at home to West Brom on Monday and then suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Zenit St Petersburg in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Rodgers' former club Swansea have already triumphed once at Anfield this season, securing a 3-1 success in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup back in October, with Michael Laudrup's men tackling League Two giant-killers Bradford in the Wembley showpiece next weekend.

Another concern for Reds supporters will be that they have failed to score in the three top-flight meetings between the two sides since the Swans returned to the Premier League last season.

The Anfield clash is the only Premier League fixture of the weekend due to the fifth round of the FA Cup, with Swansea's participation having come to an end at the hands of Arsenal, while Liverpool were humbled by Oldham.

Victory for Laudrup's men would see them move to within two points of Everton having played a game more than David Moyes' side, whereas a success for the Reds would elevate them to seventh in the standings above West Brom and Swansea and three behind their Merseyside rivals.

Rodgers will welcome Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho back into his plans for Sunday's game.

The January signings were not eligible for the Europa League clash with Zenit St Petersburg and were the only key men not to make the long trip to Russia.

Martin Skrtel started in place of Daniel Agger in the centre of defence against his former club on Thursday evening, while Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling came in for Lucas Leiva and Jonjo Shelvey.

Defender Chico Flores will miss Swansea's trip to Merseyside after rupturing ankle ligaments against QPR.

Kyle Bartley or club captain Garry Monk will get the chance to step into the Spaniard's shoes and stake a claim for a place ahead of the Capital One Cup final.

Midfielder Leon Britton could return from an ankle injury, while left-back Neil Taylor continues his recovery from a broken leg.

Rodgers Admits Liverpool's Top Four Hopes Are Fading Fast

Brendan Rodgers has conceded that Liverpool’s wait to compete in the Champions League again is likely to have to continue for at least another year.

Despite impressive performances away to Arsenal and Manchester City where the Reds walked away with a point on each occasion in recent weeks, Rodgers’ side remain a long way off where they want to be.

With just 12 games of the season remaining, Liverpool sit ninth in the Premier League, 12 points away from fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Swansea City had previously maintained faint hopes of Liverpool making a late bid for a top four finish, but as games begin to run out, Rodgers admits that the feat may be out of the club’s hands this season.

"Being a realist, it’s going to be very difficult", Rodgers told a press conference this morning, details of which were published through the club’s official Twitter account.

"It’s going to be a huge task", he added. "We can still do it but it will be difficult."

Liverpool welcome Rodgers’ former club Swansea to Anfield this Sunday, with the Capital One Cup finalists sitting two places ahead of the Reds in seventh.

Laudrup Expects Much Improved Liverpool Side

Manager Michael Laudrup expects his Swansea side to face a much-improved Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The Swans enjoyed a 3-1 success over the Reds when they met on Merseyside in the Capital One Cup in October, putting one over on former manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Welsh club also claimed a point in the league meeting at the Liberty Stadium, and sit above Rodgers' team in the table after the Reds lost to West Brom on Monday.

Liverpool followed that reverse against the Baggies with Thursday's Europa League defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in Russia.

But Laudrup has seen signs Liverpool are becoming increasingly confident in Rodgers' methods and expects them to be a tougher proposition this time around.

"They are better now than when we played the cup game," he said.

"They have a couple of new players, we saw they have brought in (Daniel) Sturridge to play with (Luis) Suarez, and they have had more time with the new manager and understand how he works.

"I have watched them over the last five or six games before they played West Brom and they are getting better all the time."

Last weekend's win over QPR moved Swansea onto 37 points, putting them just a victory away from the oft-stated survival target of 40.

As a result Laudrup feels his side can travel to Anfield with no pressure on their shoulders, after enjoying a warm-weather training camp in Dubai this week.

But the Dane expects the high standard of Swansea's away performances, which have resulted in wins at the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle so far this season, to be maintained.

"Winning against QPR and with the points we have, we can go there with no pressure at all," he said.

"That does not mean we give the game away, we always want to be competitive, but the pressure will be on them, they are a team who have to go into Europe and they are strong.

"Anfield is one of those grounds where you can never expect to get anything, like at Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium. I know we have had results at some of these grounds like the Emirates and Stamford Bridge, but normally they are huge favourites."

Liverpool Keeping Tabs On Emmanuel Emenike

According to Russian newspaper Izvestia, Liverpool are tracking Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike as a future replacement for Luis Suarez.

Liverpool face the very real possibility of losing star striker Suarez in the summer if the Reds fail to secure European football, and as a precaution, have earmarked Emenike as a possible replacement.

The 25-year-old is contracted to the Russian club until 2016 and is currently valued at around €12 million.

But after a successful African Cup Of Nations campaign, in which he finished joint top scorer with four goals in five games, a move to the Premier League could be on the horizon.

Emenike has been prolific since he joined the Russian outfit from Turkish side Fenerbahce, scoring 18 times in 37 games.

And although Luis Suarez has claimed he does not intend to leave Liverpool, another year without Champions League football will not sit well with the Uruguayan, who may well seriously consider his future if an offer from the likes of Barcelona or Manchester City was to arrive at Anfield.

Liverpool FC Chase £10m Rated Dutch Striker

Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky Van Wolfswinkel is the latest player to be linked with a possible move to Liverpool.

Despite the signing of Daniel Sturridge the Reds are still struggling up front and the Dutch player is highly regarded throughout Europe.

According to newspaper reports in Italy on Friday, Liverpool has sent a scout to watch the 23 year old, and are continuing to monitor his progress. In January Sky Sports reported that:

“Van Wolfswinkel has been linked with a move to England and the Premier League for some time, with the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle all credited with interest in the player”.

Valued at around £10m, Van Wolfswinkel has already stated his interest in playing in the Premiership:” I know that a lot of Dutch players play in England. It’s a really good competition and I do see it as a step to take maybe in the future, but we will see about that when it happens”.

Should they make a summer move, Liverpool could face stiff competition for the player from Norwich. Manager Chris Hughton confirmed earlier this year that his side is also interested in the player:

“Yes, I have seen those reports on him and there is an interest from ourselves but now far that interest from us has gone I don’t know. But certainly there is an interest”.

Gerrard Eyes Euro Comeback

Captain Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool is well-equipped to overcome a two-goal deficit in their Europa League tie with Zenit St Petersburg.

The Reds' hopes of reaching the last 16 of the competition were dealt a big blow as late goals from Hulk and Sergei Semak sealed a 2-0 victory for the Russian side.

Gerrard admits the result in the Petrovsky Stadium makes it very difficult for his side but he has backed them to respond in the second leg next week.

"If anyone can pull it back, it's us," the 32-year-old told the Liverpool official website.

"We'll have an advantage with our supporters. If they can create the noise they're capable of, get behind the team and we can get an early goal, it's game on.

"But we are disappointed. It wasn't the result we wanted - we wanted an away goal and to try and sneak away with a clean sheet, but if you concede sloppy goals, you get punished and that's what happened.

"Up until the 70th minute against Zenit, the game was under control. It was a tough night in tough conditions. We're disappointed with the two sloppy goals we conceded, but the tie is not over."

Winger Stewart Downing feels the Reds paid the price for a series of missed chances against Zenit.

"They started well and put us under a little bit of pressure, but with the chances we had, especially coming here, it's quite hostile and they had plenty of the ball, but we still had five or six chances to win the game," said Downing.

"But they've got some quality players and they showed that. Hulk was quiet for large periods but he came up with something special.

"The tie is still open. We'll be back at Anfield and we have to try and win the game."

Carragher Admits Liverpool Have A Mountain To Climb

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool are capable of turning around a 2-0 inflicted by Zenit St Petersburg, but admits his side have a mountain to climb if they are to do so.

A sublime strike from Hulk swiftly followed by an effort from Sergei Semak in the second half condemned Brendan Rodgers’ side to defeat in the first leg of their last 32 clash with the Russian champions at the Petrovsky Stadium on Thursday evening.

Liverpool created a number of chances for themselves, the majority of which fell for Luis Suarez who endured a disappointing night in front of goal, but were unable to register a potentially vital away goal.

Despite the challenge at hand, Carragher points to Liverpool’s history in European competitions as proof that the club is capable of turning things around.

“It was a typical European night because you think you’re in control and then — bang — you’re 2-0 down with a mountain to climb,” Carragher said, the Independent report. “But it is a mountain the club has climbed in the past and we have to look to do again in a week’s time.”

Should Liverpool find themselves unable to topple the Russian giants, Carragher will have played his last European game for the club, having announced his decision to retire at the end of the season.

Rodgers Hits Out At Fixture Scheduling

The Liverpool manager is frustrated with the way in which the movement of his side's tie with Capital One Cup finalists Swansea City has been handled.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has blasted the Premier League for their "bemusing" handling of their fixture with Swansea City on Sunday.

The Swans' participation in the Capital One Cup final on February 24 against Bradford City clashed with the initial date for the fixture and the game has been brought forward as a result.

However, Rodgers, who has seen his side take on both West Brom and Zenit St Petersburg in the space of four days, feels that a third fixture within a week is too much for his players.

"I was very disappointed with the Premier League to be honest," the Reds boss told reporters.

"To put it in on a week when we have played on a Monday and played on a Thursday in an away trip to Russia, and put it in between that and another important European game on Thursday, I think it is another example of the Premier League in this country not helping teams whatsoever.

"I think every other country in Europe will always try to help their teams - some of them will play on a Friday before a European game - so for us to have it thrown in there when there were other free weeks was bemusing to say the least.''

Liverpool are 12 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the race for Champions League qualification and Rodgers admitted that his side "may not be good enough" to close the gap and return to the top four for the first time since 2008-09.

"We may not be just good enough at the end of the day," the Northern Irishman conceded. "We have some top players here and some world-class players but it might not be this year for us that we can make that jump.

"But certainly, what we will do in every game is give everything and like we have seen in the last two games, in terms of the work rate, intensity and effort the players are putting in, I can't ask for any more."

Match Report: Zenit 2 - 0 Liverpool

Liverpool conceded two goals in less than three minutes to Zenit St Petersburg to leave their Europa League campaign hanging in the balance.

Despite having failed to properly test goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev with a number of chances the Reds seemed to be managing to hold on in their last-32 Europa League first-leg tie in the sub-zero Petrovsky Stadium.

But with 20 minutes remaining Hulk powered home a brilliant 30-yard strike before substitute Sergei Semak converted from close-range moments later.

Liverpool - and in particular top scorer Luis Suarez - will have to rediscover their shooting boots for the return leg next week otherwise their last chance of a trophy this season will be lost.

Manager Brendan Rodgers insisted he planned to give this competition due significance once they were into the knockout stage but an unexpected FA Cup exit to Oldham and a failure to pick up the pace in the Premier League made it seem even more important.

For that reason he selected virtually a full-strength side with captain Steven Gerrard starting his first away game in Europe this season.

Concern had been expressed before the match about possible racist abuse targeting Liverpool's black players - of which Glen Johnson and Raheem Sterling were included in the starting line-up - but the Zenit fans, in fact, contributed plenty to generating a good atmosphere.

There were unconfirmed reports of isolated monkey chants at pitch level but nothing which was audible up in the stands.

The Russian champions fed off the fervour of their fans and displayed a sharpness which defied their two months without a competitive match as both striker Alexander Kerzhakov and Hulk, the latter from distance, were denied early on by Jose Reina.

In between Suarez responded by turning Nicolas Lombaerts and rolling a shot past goalkeeper Malafeev and across goal but wide of the far post.

The Belgian defender was not having the best of nights as he then inexplicably passed the ball to Suarez who drove into the area, rounded Malafeev but was denied from a narrow angle as Lombaerts recovered to block.

However, Liverpool, in trying to play a cagey European-style game, sank further back into their own half and it only served to invite on the hosts who saw Danny's header easily saved and Hulk hit the post.

The Reds' attacking was sporadic at best on a pitch cutting up badly but five minutes before half-time Suarez almost pinched a cheeky goal when the Zenit defence got themselves in a mess and Suarez backheeled Sterling's low cross just wide.

Johnson had a shot blocked by Malafeev after a long, driving run early in the second half while Suarez fired wide again as Liverpool could not find a clinical edge inside the penalty area.

It was a failing which cost them dearly on Monday as they were caught cold by West Brom, who scored twice late on at Anfield.

While they had not had the same dominance as they enjoyed against the Baggies they were not exactly in trouble - and that was when they were exposed.

With 20 minutes to go Jordan Henderson was dispossessed and Hulk, who had previously threatened without being worryingly dangerous, smashed one in to give Reina no chance.

But the defending for the second goal less than three minutes later raised plenty of questions as right-back Alexander Anyukov's low cross was drilled home at the far post by Semak.

Gerrard's free-kick forced a low save from Malafeev but no-one was on hand to capitalize on the rebound but Liverpool appeared to still be going backwards rather than forwards.

It encouraged Zenit to go for what would surely have been the killer third and Viktor Fayzulin saw his long-range effort deflected narrowly wide.

Liverpool will require a much-improved performance in a week's time if they are to turn around the deficit and keep their quest for silverware alive.

Rodgers Confident Liverpool Can Turn Around Two-Goal Deficit

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists his side will not give up hope in the Europa League despite a 2-0 defeat against Zenit St Petersburg in the first-leg of their last-32 clash.

Second-half goals from Hulk and Sergei Semak put the Russian side in a commanding position going into next week's return leg at Anfield.

But the Reds boss claims the creativity of his players ensures they have a chance at progressing to the last-16 of the competition.

"If we can be solid defensively as a group, we know we can create the chances to score,” Rodgers told ITV.

"There is no way the tie is over, not by a long shot. We are more than capable of getting the goals back.

"The next goal is vital for us, if we get the next goal it opens up the tie.

"We're very disappointed to have lost the game. After that opening spell, when they had too much space, I thought it was a near-on perfect away performance.

"We had chances to score and should have been in front, and we were defensively solid.

"So to concede the two goals in the last 20 minutes, especially the second one, was disappointing."

The bulk of those chances fell to Luis Suarez, who failed to convert an early one-on-one chance after Nicolas Lombaerts' error and also backheeled wide from inside the six-yard box.

"He could have had a hat-trick by half-time," Rodgers said.

"It just wasn't his night but he's been brilliant for us all season.

"The important thing is that after his first one-on-one, he kept going and was still in there."

Liverpool Join Battle For Sampdoria Starlet

Liverpool are the latest Premier League club to be linked with a move for Sampdoria starlet Mauro Icardi.

The Daily Mail claims Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has enquired about the player’s availability, as the 19-year-old continues to impress during his first season in Serie ‘A’.

Icardi was on loan from Barcelona at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris last term, as the Blucerchiati gained promotion through the play-offs from Serie ‘B’.

And, with eight goals in 18 Italian top-flight games, domestic rivals Napoli and Inter Milan have shown an interest.

However, both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are keen to bring the player to England, with the paper claiming both clubs have scouted the Argentine U20 international this season.

Indeed, Citizens chief Roberto Mancini made a personal check on the player during the recent 3-1 win against Roma, and was full of praise for his efforts in the match.

“He scored a great goal and moved very well and I must say I liked him,” said the Manchester City manager, fuelling speculation over a move from the Etihad Stadium outfit.

Spurs, meanwhile, are short of options in attack, with Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor the only senior players available to manager Andre Villas-Boas in the position.

And, whilst the Tottenham Hotspur chief is unable to strengthen for the remainder of the season, Icardi would certainly be one for the future whilst adding some immediate depth to the forward-line at White Hart Lane this summer.

Both clubs now face the challenge of Liverpool though, with the Merseysiders another team short of options in attack.

Daniel Sturridge moved to Anfield in January, but the England international joins Luis Suarez as the only threat through the middle for the Reds. Andy Carroll's return at the end of the season is also far from certain.

Icardi would again offer something more, whilst also continuing the Liverpool manager’s policy of spending on young talent.

Liverpool Face Fight With Russians For Lazio Defender

Liverpool could lose out to Russian moneybags Anzhi Makhachkala in the battle to sign Lazio defender Modibo Diakite.

The 25-year-old’s agent Ulisse Savini last month revealed that his client, who is out of contract in June, has earmarked Liverpool as his preferred destination in the summer.

But Anzhi, whose own domestic transfer window is still open until later this month, have made an offer to sign him imminently, according to sources in Russia.

The Dagestan-based side sees him as the perfect replacement for Chris Samba and is ready to part with cash to seal a deal now.

Another Russian side, Terek Grozny, are also considering making a bid too.

Missing the opportunity to land Diakite would be a huge blow to Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, who is widely expected to revamp his defensive options at the end of the season.

Serie A sides Napoli, Inter and Fiorentina are also eager to snap up Diakite.

Liverpool Take Goalkeeper Hansen On Trial

Liverpool are ready to tie up a £1million deal for Viborg goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza Hansen – if he passes a two-week trial at Anfield.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is known to be on the lookout for several young starlets to add to his new-look squad, and 18-year-old Hansen has caught the eye of Liverpool’s head of scouting Dave Fallows.

It is thought that Fallows has personally recommended the teenager to Rodgers, who has invited the shot-stopper to Merseyside for a closer look.

And, according to reports in Denmark, a £1m compensation package has already been agreed with Viborg to make the deal permanent if he impresses.

Hansen himself is just focused on gaining experience, but it is thought he could pocket a healthy signing-on fee if the transfer goes through.

‘I look forward to trying to impress,’ he told Viborg’s official website.

‘It will be a great experience.’

Manchester City and Arsenal are both known to have watched Hansen in the last few months, and will be disappointed to have potentially lost out on the player.

Tottenham & Liverpool Face Battle For South Korean Starlet

Borussia Dortmund have entered the race to sign Tottenham and Liverpool transfer target Heung-Min Son, according to TalkSPORT.

The Hamburg youngster has impressed since joining the German club in 2010, and scored a superb goal in his side's 4-1 demolition of Dortmund over the weekend, taking his tally to nine for the season.

Son also found the back of the net when the two sides met earlier in the season.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for the 20-year-old in the past and were reportedly lining up a January move for him.

While that failed to materialize Spurs could be preparing to make another move for the South Korean international, who has also been linked with Liverpool.

According to TalkSPORT, Dortmund have been impressed with what they've seen this term and will challenge the likes of Liverpool and Spurs for his signature this summer.

Hamburg sporting director Frank Arnesen admitted Son would be available for the right price but pressed home the importance of extending the talented youngster's deal beyond it's current expiry date in 2014 in order to ward of potential suitors like Tottenham and Liverpool.

Despite reports of interest from Dortmund, Son's advisor Thies Bliemeister told Sport Bild: "I have heard of Dortmund's interest. But I do not know any more."

Young Reds Hit Histon For Four

Liverpool's youngsters secured progress to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup courtesy of a 4-0 victory over Histon in Cambridgeshire.

Kristoffer Peterson gave Steve Cooper's side the lead on 17 minutes before Jerome Sinclair back-heeled past Barney McLaughlin from close range to double the visitors' advantage.

Jack Dunn fired a beauty from a difficult angle late in the game to make it 3-0 before Daniel Trickett-Smith slotted a fourth.

In rough conditions and in front of a packed crowd at the Glass World Stadium, the Reds dominated from the first whistle and played some fine football on the night.

They almost broke the deadlock on 13 minutes when Peterson drew a rash challenge in the Histon area; however, the Swede rattled McLaughlin's post from the subsequent penalty.

It took him just four minutes to make amends, surging through a wall of players to roll the ball past McLaughlin for 1-0.

Dunn went closest to doubling the deficit before the interval when he drew a superb save from the 'keeper after Sinclair laid the ball off to him on the edge of the box.

Two minutes after the re-start, Sinclair raced into the penalty area and hammered the ball towards the roof of the net from yards out; however, McLaughlin got the faintest of touches to help the ball onto the crossbar.

On 49 minutes Cooper's men made it 2-0. Sinclair's cheeky back-heel took everyone by surprise as he tapped the ball low into the net from inside Histon's six-yard box.

Dunn made it 3-0 on 83 minutes when he shifted inside and thrashed a fine dipping effort into the top corner of McLaughlin's net.

Trickett-Smith, in an unfamiliar central-midfield role, completed the rout when he burst through the middle of the park and tucked the ball beneath the advancing stopper to add the Reds' fourth.

The victory means Cooper's side will play Leeds on Wednesday, February 27 at Anfield.

Hillsborough Inquest Coroner Appointed

Lord Justice Goldring has today been appointed as the coroner to oversee the new inquests into the Hillsborough disaster.

A 23-year battle for justice on behalf of the 96 Liverpool supporters who lost their lives in April 1989 saw a series of breakthroughs in 2012.

The publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report into the tragedy in September laid bare the truth of what happened on that day and prompted an apology to the families by Prime Minister David Cameron.

In December, the original inquests which ruled accidental death as the cause were then quashed following an application by Attorney General Dominic Grieve.

A fresh batch of inquests will now be held to conclusively determine what happened at Hillsborough and Lord Justice Goldring will be at the head of that process.

The inquests were initially expected to take place in Doncaster but a law change to the Coroners Act 1988, revealed yesterday, means Goldring can decide on a location anywhere in the country.

The Leicester-born judge was named a High Court Judge in 1999 and held the position of Senior Presiding Judge of England and Wales for three years until December 2012.

He is expected to begin the new inquest proceedings at the earliest possible opportunity.

Match Report: Liverpool 0 - 2 West Brom

West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster included a Steven Gerrard penalty among a string of saves which laid the platform for the Baggies to record their first league win since Boxing Day.

The former England international denied the Liverpool captain twice, once from the spot, as well as Jordan Henderson, Daniel Agger, Stewart Downing and Fabio Borini.

And when Gareth McAuley headed home West Brom's first effort on target in the 81st minute it set up their first league double over the Reds - having won 3-0 on the opening day of the season - since 1966-67, with substitute Romelu Lukaku's 90th-minute striking giving the scoreline an unbalanced look.

All the promise of performances in draws against Arsenal and Manchester City was wiped away in 90 torturous minutes as Liverpool suffered their first home defeat since mid-December.

West Brom is not supposed to like Mondays. They had not won any of their previous 18 top-flight away matches on this day, a run stretching back 44 years to March 1969.

However, they appeared more than comfortable in a disappointing first half which saw both teams manage just two shots on target between them.

Both of those were registered by the hosts as the Baggies were not intent on showing much adventure but with Liverpool not clicking into any sort of gear they were not in much danger either.

With Daniel Sturridge's thigh problem not being risked the Reds were shorn of the pacy, incisive running which caused the Premier League champions so many problems in the 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Replacement Jonjo Shelvey was given his first league appearance since Boxing Day, playing in the hole as Luis Suarez was restored to the out-and-out striker role but he pair failed to get in the way Sturridge has.

The 20-year-old did put the ball in the net early on but was well offside, which sort of set the tone for the half which was briefly enlivened by Suarez producing a brilliant behind-the-leg cross.

Agger had a header tipped over by Foster, who also caught Stewart Downing's stinging drive at the second attempt.

The closest Liverpool actually came to scoring in the first half was when Steven Reid's attempted left-footed clearance of Shelvey's low cross cannoned off his standing leg and looped over the crossbar from four yards.

A lack of fluidity and crispness was noticeably absent in Liverpool's passing game as the Baggies harried and hassled and tried to stifle as much of their opponents' movement as possible.

Every pass from the hosts seemed half-a-yard too short or long and their control of the ball wasteful.

Improvements were made by Brendan Rodgers for the second half as Downing had a shot blocked and Gerrard's follow-up was crowded out before Henderson's cheeky close-range backheel from Glen Johnson's pass was stopped by Foster.

With an hour gone more work was required and Raheem Sterling and Borini were sent on for the ineffective Shelvey and the tiring Henderson.

Borini was denied by a fully-stretched West Brom goalkeeper after lashing Downing's lay-off goalwards, McAuley slid in to block Suarez's shot and the wrong-footed Foster stuck out a hand to stop Gerrard's drive.

Foster denied Gerrard again moments later from the penalty spot after Suarez tumbled a little easily under Jonas Olsson's challenge, and Liverpool were made to pay when they were hit with the sucker punch nine minutes from time.

Chris Brunt swung over a right-wing corner and McAuley had a free run in the area to power home a header.

Liverpool went chasing the game and were exposed even later on when Lukaku, having originally been dropped to the bench, stroked home their second.

Having picked up just one point from a possible 18 the victory was vital in halting the Baggies' slide down the table.

It also extended Liverpool's unwanted record of still not having beaten a team in the top half of the Premier League this season as they saw West Brom leapfrog them into eighth.

Rodgers Defends Liverpool Performance

Brendan Rodgers defended his side's performance and effort following Liverpool's shock 2-0 loss against West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on Monday evening.

Rodgers' men dominated possession, but goals to Gareth McAuley and Romelu Lukaku saw the visitors claim all three points and surge above their opponents into eighth position on the Premier League table. However, Rodgers is refusing to panic.

"The players gave everything," he told Sky Sports. "It was one of those games where we just couldn't make the breakthrough.

"The longer the game goes on the more likely it is that they nick one. I can't fault the players’ efforts, it was just one of those games where we couldn't get the first goal.

"We weren't at our best but we were certainly on the front foot and looking to create. Full credit to West Brom, [Ben] Foster's made some brilliant saves.

"It was a good away performance from them and the longer it was 0-0 the riskier it got. I can't blame [Steven] Gerrard for missing the penalty, he had a fantastic game and he had the courage to step up and take it.

"I'm just disappointed that our good run, particularly at home, has come to an end. But we gave everything tonight and the keeper had a fantastic match. But we'll go again, we've got an important game in the Europa League on Thursday and we'll be ready for that."

Jordan: Liverpool Let Standards Drop In WBA Loss

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson acknowledged his side had let their standards slip in their 2-0 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

Defeat came as a shock for Brendan Rodgers's side after their encouraging away draws at Arsenal and Manchester City, as goals from Gareth McAuley and Romelu Lukaku arrested West Brom's own lean Premier League run.

"The manager didn't have much to say after. We all know we didn't play particularly well," Henderson said in the Liverpool Echo. "I don't think we passed the ball as well as we could have done. We had a lot of the ball but we didn't create as much as we have been doing.

"It's a game we could have won [Steven Gerrard missed a penalty in the second half with the score still 0-0] but it just wasn't our night. You have to take these things on board and learn from it."

Rodgers did not attend the post-match press conference, opting only to fulfill his obligations to broadcasters covering the game. "It was one of those games we couldn't get the breakthrough," he said.

"The longer it goes on it gives the opposition more encouragement. It's a big disappointment because we had two home games this week [the other is against his former club Swansea City on Sunday] that we felt were opportunities for us.

"But we'll go again and get back in on Tuesday. We've got a game away in the Europa League [against Zenit St Petersburg] which we'll be ready for on Thursday and then come back, get ready and go again at the weekend."

West Brom's manager, Steve Clarke, said his side remained focused on Premier League safety first after a win that lifted them up to eighth place, but was particularly delighted at the result given his former club's recent form.

"Liverpool are playing as well as anyone in the league so to come here and get that result with the performance as well I don't think you can say we were lucky because we weren't," he said.

Liverpool Concerned Ahead Of Zenit Trip

With the return of Europa League action coming on Thursday with a trip to St. Petersburg to face Zenit, Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has voiced his concerns going into the match. Those concerns, however, have very little to do with what could happen on the pitch when Liverpool face a side boasting names like Hulk, Danny, and Bruno Alves.

Instead his concerns are for what could happen off the pitch after a string of recent incidents involving the club's supporters and racist incidents. Moments like the offering of a banana to Anzhi's Roberto Carlos ahead of a match in 2011 and an open letter penned by the supporter's club last winter asking Zenit to avoid purchasing black players for the sake "tradition" have hardly painted the club in the best light.

"It's been a major concern for us," said Ayre, "so I wrote to UEFA very recently expressing our concerns to them—and also to Zenit themselves. We await some responses in that regard. The most we can do is make our feelings clear ahead of the game, and hope that we get an adequate response and adequate support on the night.

"That's about the most we can do at this stage. I'm certainly hopeful that the right people will take the right action to ensure it's a game where we don't have that type of incident."

Unsurprisingly, Liverpool have yet to hear back from UEFA regarding their concerns, though one can be sure that if a player on Thursday night were to upon scoring reveal a shirt bearing the logo of a non-sponsoring brewery retribution would be swift and merciless. Because UEFA, like FIFA above them, can always be counted on to have their priorities in order.

Just so long as you define priorities as the interest of their corporate sponsors and television rights holders and not the fans or good of the game. Ayre, though, insists that no matter what happens, Liverpool and the club's players will react in the right way if something unfortunate does occur.

"We do plan to speak to the players about it," he added. "The most important thing for our players is that they remain professional throughout this. So the important thing is that we let them know how we expect them to act if there is an incident. I'd much rather we take the incident off the pitch and we deal with it. Obviously the referee has a role to play within that. But we'll be briefing our players of what's acceptable and what's not."