Albion post first Anfield win in 45 years

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was left with a familiar feeling after seeing his side fail to take their chances in a 1-0 Premier League defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion.

Albion’s Peter Odemwingie scored the only goal of Sunday’s game 15 minutes from time to give the visitors a first win at Anfield 45 years to the day since their previous victory at the ground.

Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson were both denied by the woodwork, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll had several chances while Maxi Rodriguez had a first-half penalty appeal rejected.

Liverpool have won just five times in 17 home matches this term and for Reds great Dalglish the days of ‘fortress’ Anfield he once knew so well must seem an awfully long while ago.

“It’s not just been one of those days; it’s been like that seven or eight times here,” said the former Scotland striker, who has already guided the Reds to League Cup glory this term and taken them to the FA Cup final too.

“There’s not much else that we can add to what we’ve said before so many times after a game at Anfield.

“I think you could go back over the old interviews and it’ll be the same thing. They just need a bit of luck I think. It sounds repetitive but it’s not an excuse.

“We’re not running away from something. It’s not as if there’s something drastically wrong that we can’t identify. It is just a piece of good fortune that we need.”

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson would have been forgiven for savouring this win, coming as it did against former club Liverpool, who sacked him last season after a six month-spell in charge bedevilled by boardroom rows and replaced him with fans’ favourite Dalglish.

But Hodgson was more pleased by Albion ending their Anfield hoodoo.

“It is always enjoyable to win even if you need a bit of luck on your side to achieve it,” he said.

“Forty-five years is a long time for a team like West Brom not to get a result at Anfield.”

Hodgson failed to establish a rapport with the Anfield faithful during his time as manager but was nevertheless given a generous welcome by the home fans.

“I was very pleased by the reception and I thank the Liverpool fans for that. It was very courteous of them,” he said.

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