Liverpool U21s Suffer Heavy Defeat to West Brom in PL2

A disappointing afternoon at the Academy saw Liverpool U21s fall to a heavy 5-0 defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion in Premier League 2.

The visitors took a commanding 2-0 lead into halftime and added three more goals in the second half to seal all three points in a comprehensive victory.

West Brom’s Clinical Breakaway Play

West Brom’s well-executed game plan was clear from the outset, with the young Baggies putting plenty of bodies behind the ball and exploiting Liverpool’s defensive gaps on the counter. Despite dominating possession early on, Liverpool struggled to break down a resilient West Brom defense and were punished when chances came their way.

The home side couldn’t make their possession count in the opening stages, failing to test opposition goalkeeper Joe Wallis despite controlling the ball. Instead, it was West Brom who struck first in the 13th minute, albeit under controversial circumstances. A pass from Jayden Danns appeared to be handled in midfield, but the referee waved play on. The quick pass sent Eseosa Sule racing through, and he made no mistake, firing past Harvey Davies to give the visitors the lead.

Liverpool’s Missed Opportunities

Rio Ngumoha was Liverpool’s brightest attacking outlet, regularly threatening down the left wing, but West Brom’s defense doubled up on the 16-year-old each time he received the ball. It took half an hour for the Reds to create a clear chance, when Kieran Morrison’s curling free-kick was narrowly headed wide by Wellity Lucky.

Ngumoha’s skill again created an opportunity for Trey Nyoni, but the midfielder’s shot was blasted over the bar.

West Brom doubled their lead just before halftime through a swift counterattack. Reyes Cleary collected a crossfield pass and cut inside Josh Davidson before lifting the ball past Davies to make it 2-0.

Referee’s Call and Second-Half Struggles

Liverpool had a chance to pull one back moments later when Danns was brought down in the box, but the referee ruled the contact was outside and awarded only a free-kick. Danns took the free-kick himself, but Wallis was equal to the effort, maintaining West Brom’s two-goal advantage.

Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback were dashed early in the second half. In the 47th minute, a ball from the left was picked up by Sule, who fired low past Davies to complete his brace and give West Brom a commanding 3-0 lead.

Despite the setback, Barry Lewtas’ side continued to push forward. Trent Kone-Doherty had a chance to pull one back, but Wallis made a crucial block from his low shot. A similar block from the West Brom keeper denied Kone-Doherty again just 10 minutes later.

Liverpool’s best chance to reduce the deficit came when Kone-Doherty turned provider, pulling the ball back for Danns, whose shot was well saved by Wallis.

West Brom’s Late Surge

As the game wore on, Liverpool’s efforts to get back into the match were increasingly frustrated by West Brom’s resolute defending and excellent goalkeeping. Morrison had two efforts go close, and substitute Ranel Young’s strike was also saved after a clever backheel from Davidson.

The visitors wrapped up the win with two late goals. Cleary volleyed in his second of the game in the 90th minute, and Archie Kirton headed in a fifth deep into injury time to complete the rout.

Final Score: Liverpool U21s 0-5 West Brom U21s

West Brom’s clinical finishing and defensive solidity saw them deservedly leave with all three points, while Liverpool will need to regroup after a disappointing performance. The Reds failed to convert possession into meaningful chances, and the result leaves them with much to reflect on in the coming days.