West Brom 0, Liverpool 2: Chris Lepkowski's relegation verdict
SO that’s that then. Albion’s defeat to Liverpool confirmed relegation but no-one could accuse them of going down with a whimper.
There was to be no Great Escape. But nor was this a Great Surrender either.
Albion produced a gutsy display. Their football was at times stylish and classy. But it was almost fitting that they should bow out through an individual’s mistake – Shelton Martis gifting Liverpool their first goal.
It’s become par for the course during the campaign and the main reason why they are heading back to the Championship.
They proved, once again, they can live with Premier League sides but the occasional slips have proven costly all the way through.
With the Roman Bednar saga threatening to overshadow Albion’s plight, it’s to their credit that the Baggies dished out such a decent display for the supporters.
Albion fans sent out a clear message to chairman Jeremy Peace, who was singled out by a banner in the Birmingham Road End, that they are fully behind their manager. The team’s efforts over the last month or so have restored some pride and dignity.
What looked like being a messy and sour relegation at the start of April, turned more into a feeling of expectation of what may come next season.
Although there has been a resignation about Albion’s plight for weeks, the team and manager have in recent times given hope that the club has the potential to bounce back in a stronger state. That will be dependant on a number of factors – certain players staying, additions being brought in and the manager being given the chance to do things his way.
That’s all to come.
Yesterday was Albion’s last chance and they gave a decent account. It’s just a shame the old demons came back to ruin their afternoon.
Martis made a mistake for Liverpool’s opening goal, scored by Steven Gerrard, when he gave the ball straight to the England midfielder.
Dirk Kuyt scored the second but Albion had chances. Pepe Reina denied Jonathan Greening, Marc-Antoine Fortuné and Juan Carlos Menseguez, while the post prevented Luke Moore from handing Albion a lifeline.
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