Football
ESPN staff 9y

Alan Irvine says West Brom deserved a draw against Liverpool

West Brom fell 2-1 to Liverpool on Saturday, but boss Alan Irvine thought his side deserved a draw.

The Baggies had not lost since a Sept. 13 match at home to Everton, but Jordan Henderson's goal broke a second-half tie and snapped West Brom's three-game winning streak.

But Irvine said he was particularly upset by Liverpool's first goal, when Adam Lallana struck just before the half.

"I was a bit disappointed in the way we used the ball in the first half. I felt we needed to show a little but more self-belief and courage when we were in possession,'' Irvine said.

"The goal just before halftime was disappointing because it changes the mood in the stadium.

"I challenged the players to show more courage with the ball and I felt as if we did that in the second half.

"We really took the game to Liverpool for large periods and my biggest fear was we'd get done on the counter-attack -- and when you come to Anfield it is not something you expect to say too often."

West Brom struck back to equalise on a disputed Saido Berahino penalty.

Dejan Lovren's foul appeared to be outside the area, and not even Irvine was totally convinced it was a penalty as the play occurred.

"My first reaction was to ask [fourth official] Jon Moss if it was inside the box and he said Michael Oliver thought it was," Irvine said.

"I looked at it and I was looking to see if Michael was going to give a free-kick on the edge of the box or give a penalty and I was delighted he gave a penalty but I really wasn't sure.''

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