A wonderful strike from Reda Khadra was enough to extend Albion under-23s' unbeaten start in Premier League 2 to five matches as they defeated Liverpool.
After a dominant first half, Khadra grabbed the only goal of the game when he fired in from a tight angle, giving Albion a win that moves them up to 2nd in the table.
It was an impressive performance from the hosts, who limited the Reds to just one shot on target, while mustering eight of their own.
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
What happened...
Liverpool keeper Jakub Ojrzynski was in inspired form throughout the first half and was called into early action as he kept out Jensen Weir’s effort from the edge of the box, diving to his left to pull off a fantastic save.
Robert Sanchez was then drawn into a similar save, as Liam Milar's strike from just inside the box was heading towards the top left corner, but the 22-year-old got two strong palms on it to deny the winger.
From there it was an Albion dominated half with Khadra's runs down the right were giving left-back Remi Savage a real headache. The German’s efforts nearly bore fruit after 22 minutes when his cut-back found Teddy Jenks, but he scuffed his first time effort – the ball fell for Ulrick Ella, but he too couldn’t apply the finishing touch as his strike from close range went wide.
Ojrzynski would deny Jenks, Khadra, Max Sanders and Jose Izquierdo with really smart saves, as Albion went in at half-time scratching their heads as to how they didn’t lead.
Albion finally found a way past the Pole though five minutes after the restart, when Khadra picked the pocket of Jack Walls on the far side of the Liverpool box. He then worked himself a yard of space and emphatically bent an effort into the top right corner.
After what had up to that point been a thoroughly entertaining afternoon, the attacking threat was taken out of the game as Albion comfortably soaked up any Liverpool pressure.
Liverpool left Reda in the face…
The summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund scored on his debut last weekend and was a real threat throughout down the right. The German under-18 international will be disappointed not to have had a couple of assists in the first half, but will undoubtedly be delighted with his second goal in as many games as he finally got the better of Ojrzynski.
Max and Jensen pull the strings…
Max Sanders and Jensen Weir found themselves coming under the high press you would expect from a Liverpool side these days, but the midfielders always found a way to break through it. Sanders' bursting runs were a real feature and Weir was a calm head throughout.
45 in the tank for Jose…
The Columbia international grabbed the winning goal last time out for the under-23s, but didn’t quite have the same impact this week. He did have a couple of nice touches and had a good goalscoring opportunity, which he will no doubt reflect that he should have tucked away.
The line-up...
Albion line-up: Sanchez (GK), Yapi, Dendoncker, Tsoungui, Tanimowo, Weir, Sanders, Khadra (Vukoje 63), Jenks, Izquierdo (Gwargis 46), Ella.
Subs not used: Rushworth, Leonard, Packham.
Next up...
Leicester City head to the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre on Friday 23rd October. The Premier League 2 fixture will kick-off at 7pm.