Liverpool's Champions League hopes slip after draw at West Brom

Liverpool’s slim hopes of making the top four took a further dent as they were held to a goalless draw by a resilient West Brom side.

Brendan Rodgers’ side struggled to break down a defensively sound Baggies, who look every inch a Tony Pulis team now, and the prospect of Champions League football returning to Anfield next season looks a distance away.

A lifeless first half saw precious little in terms of goalmouth action, with neither team able to get a shot on target, with speculative efforts from Philippe Coutinho and Mario Balotelli, and a Steven Gerrard free-kick, being the closest to breaking the deadlock.

West Brom came to stifle Liverpool’s attacking players, which was reflected in the possession statistics with the away side seeing 78% of the ball in the opening 45 minutes.

The Reds had chances to score in the second half with Coutinho forcing a good save from Myhill while a Jordon Ibe effort smacked against the crossbar. Dejan Lovren came to Liverpool’s rescue when he hooked a James Morrison header off the line after a fine fingertip save from Simon Mignolet.

27’ - OVER! Gerrard curls the free-kick inches over the bar with Myhill nowhere near. First real effort on goal from Liverpool but we're still waiting for a shot on target.

35’ - CLOSE! Balotelli lets fly from outside the box and his effort flies just over the crossbar.

56’ - SHOT ON TARGET! It's taken 56 minutes and we've had a shot on target! Phil Coutinho's goalbound effort is stopped by the outstretched hand of Boaz Myhill. It's a good save, low down. Jordan Henderson's rebound effort is then blocked by Joleon Lescott and West Brom clear.

63’ - CROSSBAR! Jordon Ibe smacks an effort against the crossbar after great work on the left hand side, linking up with Balotelli and running at goal. Fabulous effort from the youngster.

64’ - OFF THE LINE! West Brom so close to taking the lead against the run of play. Martin Skrtel fails to clear properly and James Morrison's header is going on before Simon Mignolet makes an excellent finger tip save before Lovren clears off the line.

89’ - CHANCE! McManaman nearly wins it for West Brom, skipping past Skrtel before finding the outstretched leg of Mignolet.

Philippe Coutinho had eight shots on goal today, two fewer than the entire West Brom side.

Tony Pulis has avoided defeat in six home Premier League games against Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard made his 500th Premier League appearance, becoming the 12th player to do so and only the third to make them all for one club.

A Premier League team managed by Tony Pulis has never lost three consecutive home games.

Liverpool have the best defensive away record for a team in the Premier League in 2015.

Simon Mignolet kept his 14th clean sheet of the season, more than any other goalkeeper in the league.

Sterile domination? In the first half Liverpool had the most possession in a single half since Brendan Rodgers became manager, but it produced no shots on target. As the former Swansea boss enters the final month of his third season in charge, the livewire counter attacking side that flourished last year looks a world away. Rodgers needs to use the final five games of the season to develop a style of play that can get the best out of his two best players – Raheem Sterling and Phil Coutinho.

Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool): Another strong showing from the Brazilian who more and more looks to be the go to man for this Liverpool team.

West Brom: Myhill 7, Dawson 6, McAuley 6, Lescott 7, Brunt 6, Gardner 6, Fletcher 6, Yacob , Morrison 7, Berahino 6, Anichebe 6. Subs: McManaman 7, Ideye 6, Baird 6

Liverpool: Mignolet 7, Johnson 6, Skrtel 6, Lovren 7, Can 6, Ibe 7, Gerrard 6, Henderson 6, Sterling 6, Coutinho 7, Balotelli 6. Subs: Lallana 6, Borini 6.