Firmino on target as Liverpool climb to third

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Hot on the heels of their impressive win at Stoke last weekend, which was their first in the Premier League on the road this year, Liverpool clinched another precious three points away from Anfield and once again Roberto Firmino made the telling contribution.

Tony Pulis insisted he's not anxious about critics despite having overseen West Bromwich Albion's fifth defeat in seven games on Sunday.

'At the moment, Jurgen Klopp has Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius. There are some factors that suggest that is quite possible - West Brom have a small but nearly fully fit squad. "We defended well. We scored one goal and that was enough".

Coutinho has scored in each of Liverpool's last three matches, yet arguably should not have been involved at all as they won at Stoke City last Saturday. And it had been another Brazilian, Lucas, far less recognised for his creative abilities and playing as a screen in front of Liverpool's defenders, who supplied that chance.

"West Brom", reaching the 40-point mark in the Premier League, immediately calmed down.

The Belgian has six goals and three assist in nine starts.

Substitute Vincent Janssen rounded off the action with a fourth goal in stoppage time, the Dutchman's first Premier League strike from open play since joining previous year.

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Off he trundled to first base, which he quickly left for second when Arrieta's wild pitch sailed by Willson Contreras . To make matters worse, the Cardinals ended up losing the game, with Piscotty's run being the lone run the team scored.

"We've got Tony Pulis", home fans had sung in the opening minutes, as if to signal what type of occasion this would be. He is strong in the air, good in defensive actions, and is not very prone to giving away fouls through bad tackles.

Etienne Capoue capitalised on Mawson's sloppiness to score the only goal of a tiresome encounter, the win taking Watford on to 40 points and all-but securing their top-flight status.

Veteran central defender Gareth McAuley's status as joint-top scorer (on seven) with Rondon marked out from where the home side's threat came and those dead-ball situations have been something of a weak point for Liverpool this season. Struggled to really provide any attacking influence but was full of his typical industry and ability to just keep the game flowing. In this match, he will perhaps be more preferred as Origi is also a good header of the ball.

Klopp saluted the huge victory earned by Roberto Firmino's goal on the strike of half-time that brings Champions League football closer into view. He might indeed choose to rotate slightly but that would be to distribute game time. Foot injuries are tricky to predict and can cling on longer than expected. Sadio Mane is ruled out for the season, while Henderson's recovery is delayed.

The boss continued, noting that Lallana is likely to return after Liverpool's match with Crystal Palace.

Liverpool was the better team at The Hawthorns but almost got picked off late on in West Brom's only clear sight of goal.

As for West Brom, with nothing to play for they may as well book the flights to Barbados tonight.

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