Liverpool: 3 takeaways from the Baggies draw

3 takeaways from the Baggies draw – Ox must start

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Rhys Williams of Liverpool comes on to replace the injured Joel Matip of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on December 27, 2020 in Liverpool, England. A limited number of fans (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

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Liverpool, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Jurgen should have brought on the Ox earlier

While it was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s horribly executed short corner in the dying minutes of the game that prevented Liverpool from snatching a late winner, the Englishman should have been brought on far earlier.

He arrived off the bench as late as the 83rd minute and still looked the brightest Liverpool player on the pitch in the second half. The Ox recently recovered from a knee injury and looked eager to make up for lost time.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was full of energy and even took on a couple of snap-shots from the edge of the box. In fact, it was his cross that set up Liverpool’s only major chance in the second half.

A lovely ball into the six-yard box found the head of Roberto Firmino, but Sam Johnstone did splendidly well to deny Liverpool the winner.

In my opinion, the Ox has to start Wednesday’s clash against Newcastle. Given that Naby Keita and Thiago are unlikely to be ready for a place in the starting XI, Liverpool needs to find another outlet. The pace and power of Chamberlain should do the trick.

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