Liverpool 2, West Brom 2: First Thoughts

Liverpool 2 Henderson 21' , Origi 96'
West Brom 2 Dawson 30' , Olsson 73'

• Pre Match Thoughts: ETW in full effect as we approach kickoff for this one. We're not sure if its because of Tony Pulis, because its the actual Baggies, or because of the lack of sleep, but it just feels like a banana peel here. Liverpool will need to figure out how to unlock what is sure to be a compacted defensive shape, while not leaving themselves too exposed to the physically imposing Rondon. Speaking of Rondon, the over/under for Skrtel shirt pulls is set at 72.5.
  
  
• Phil's first touch is a snappy one time into Lallana from the left sideline, and then he follows it up with a disgusting little dribble to work his way out of his own half through two would be markers. Fowler, it's good to see that again.
  
  
• Snappy ball movement, Benteke turning possession over with the press, and Dejan making recovery tackles. Whatever was served at the team breakfast, serve that every time.
  
  
• You know that moment when you realize they have tabasco green and tabasco chipotle at the waffle house you stumbled in to? That's how the ball movement is making us feel right now. 
  
  
• Jürgen's just totally perplexed by that finish from Phil.
  
  
• ***GOAL*** Henderson 21' Tekkers, Sexinho, Llama, and Hendycakes. Football is so simple, sometimes.
  
  
• McAuley nearly got the hands locked on the full nelson there. But Benteke slips it and takes it down to the ground. Underrated grappler is the Belgian.
  
  
• First third of the match gone, and Liverpool obviously watched that scene in Goal! The Dream Begins about the ball being faster than any player. Passes are just humming around the pitch from Red to Red. Beautiful sight.
  
  
• ***GOAL*** Dawson 30' And this is why we can't have nice things.
  
  
• Ya, we get it, Waffles--it's going to be one of those days.
  
  
• Not sure what more Benteke needs than that ball in from Lallana. What a peach.
  
  
• Hard to say whether it was the entire population of the West Midlands standing offside on that set piece, or just most of it. Either way we're going to need a fresh pair of shorts.
  
  
• Halftime: Albatross of goalkeeping and set piece scare aside, this one's been good for the Reds. The pace of the ball and runs from midfield--woof. Iron out the quantum faffery at the back and this should be headed towards a Red victory. Our halftime team talk involves poached eggs over wheat with a large latte extra shot. Matter of fact, just leave the espresso machine, we'll take it from here.
  
  
• Someone tell the Baggies that pressing the CBs is our thing. Can't have it.
  
  
• Hendo skies one and then somewhat confusingly screams fuck off. Is that directed at the ball? At the crowd? At Fowler?
  
  
• Tell you what has fucked off, Liverpool's tempo from the first half.
  
  
• Someone get Martin Skrtel a cornish pasty, he's starving.
  
  
• Scary sight this with Milly on the ground. Got to love the super professional pontificating about knee ligaments from the announcer.
  
  
• ***GOAL*** Olsson 73' Baggies gonna bag. Pitch perfect corner kick.
  
  
• Injury to insult as Dejan gets scythed down. It looks a very, very bad one. We once saw two cheetahs take out a wildebeast on the Serengeti, and once the cats were feasting all of the other animals stood around watching like Eewwww, look at all that blood. It's just sooooo much of it. That's how players were looking at Dejan on the ground. 
  
  
• You absolutely have to score that, Adam.
  
  
• This game is so frustrating. West Brom have nothing to offer aside from those set pieces and Liverpool have it all stitched up aside from the finishing.
  
  
• Eight minutes? Jürgy time! And Ebay looks thirsty--someone get that man a Sprite!
  
  
• Gunning for that equalizer...
  
  
• ***GOAL*** Origi 96' KLOPP ASKS IF YOU ARE NOT ENTERTAINED!!!!!!

We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, join the community on the Liverpool Offside, where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.