Liverpool vs. West Brom: Score, Grades and Reaction from Premier League Game

Liverpool bounced back from their midweek European disappointment with a 2-1 victory at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday in a Premier League match at Anfield.

Adam Lallana put the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time with his first goal for Liverpool, but Saido Berahino continued his fine run of form with an equaliser from the penalty spot in the 56th minute. Five minutes later, however, Jordan Henderson fired in the winner to give the Reds their first league victory since Aug. 31 at Spurs.

The win takes Liverpool to 10 points through seven matches, a total that will not please manager Brendan Rodgers after last season's second-place finish. But after losing midweek at Basel in the UEFA Champions League, and after stumbling out of the gates domestically, both Rodgers and the Reds will hope Saturday's result will provide a spark to their still-young season.

Concerns will remain, of course, not least among them the defence. Having conceded a goal to West Brom in the second half, Liverpool have now kept only one clean sheet in their last 15 matches.

Although the Reds still did not reach the sparkling heights they displayed at their exhilarating best last season, Rodgers will be pleased to have beaten a Baggies team that entered Saturday's match on a three-game winning run.

Up next for Liverpool is a trip to Queens Park Rangers on Oct. 19. West Brom, who have eight points through seven matches, will host Manchester United on Oct. 20.

Rodgers had a surprise in store for his starting lineup, with Italian striker Mario Balotelli left on the bench. Rickie Lambert started up top, with the Reds deployed in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The first half was a mostly even affair as West Brom matched Liverpool for much of the opening 45 minutes. Steven Gerrard slammed a free-kick into the wall in the eighth minute, and Lallana had a shot saved six minutes later following good work by Raheem Sterling.

West Brom's Ben Foster then saved again in the 19th minute as Rickie Lambert tried to curl in a shot at the near post. Then the away side had a chance in the 35th minute, as Berahino stung Simon Mignolet's palms with a twisting shot from long distance.

Berahino came closer in the 42nd minute, heading over the bar from an unmarked position in front of goal following a fine cross from Sebastian Pocognoli. Two minutes later, Mignolet saved Stephane Sessegnon's dipping, long-distance effort.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

It was shaping up to be another disappointing half for Liverpool, but in the 45th minute Lallana produced a moment of brilliance to put his side ahead.

After beating his marker with a neat touch on the left, Lallana played a one-two pass with Jordan Henderson to open up space in the box. Then, after steadying himself with another fine touch in the area, he swept past Foster for a 1-0 half-time lead—and his first goal in a Liverpool shirt.

But even facing a half-time deficit, West Brom were anything but out of the game. Early in the second half, the visitors enjoyed an extended spell of pressure, and within 10 minutes, the Baggies won a penalty—albeit in controversial circumstances.

There was no question that Dejan Lovren had fouled Berahino near the edge of Liverpool's box. But although replays suggested the foul had occurred outside the box, referee Michael Oliver blew his whistle and pointed to the penalty spot.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Liverpool felt aggrieved by the decision, but Berahino left no doubt with his spot-kick, slamming past Mignolet for the equaliser in the 56th minute.

The hosts immediately went in search of a reply, Lambert blasting over the bar on the half-turn in the 59th minute. Two minutes later, Liverpool were once again ahead.

Liverpool could have won a penalty of their own as Sterling went to ground in the box under a challenge from Craig Gardner. Instead, Sterling picked himself up, reclaimed possession and laid off for Henderson, who side-footed into the far corner with his first touch.

Balotelli entered in the 64th minute, replacing Lambert, and the Italian striker came close within four minutes with a curling effort that bounced just wide of the post.

Liverpool still had some defending to do, as West Brom pushed forward for a second equaliser. In the 75th minute, Chris Brunt picked out Berahino with a pinpoint cross from deep on the left. But Berahino headed straight down, allowing Mignolet to save easily.

From there, the hosts were able to hold on to the result. And with three points secured, Liverpool will be hoping this is the start of a new winning run.

Grades

Rickie Lambert: C+

The England international striker made his first league start since joining Liverpool in the summer, replacing Balotelli in the starting XI. Lambert then made way for Balotelli in the 64th minute without making a huge impact on the game.

Lambert was not poor—he worked hard, in fact, and had a couple decent chances—but it was always going to be a struggle as the lone man atop Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 formation. 

Jordan Henderson: A

Henderson excelled again in central midfield, scoring the winner and assisting the opener with an excellent pass.

With another strong performance, the England international underlined his growing importance to Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side.

Saido Berahino: B

The West Brom forward's performances in recent weeks have led some pundits, including Bleacher Report's Jerrad Peters, to call on England manager Roy Hodgson to give Berahino a chance. 

Having scored another goal on Saturday, his fourth in three matches, the 21-year-old hardly did his international chances any harm. In fairness, Berahino missed a couple chances as well, but with each passing game, the young forward continues to prove himself.

Post-Match Reaction

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers (via PremierLeague.com):

"

It was very satisfying. We had to show big character today. West Brom were arriving here on the back of a number of good results. I thought the resilience of the players was fantastic and we were helped by the crowd because they realised the team needed a lift. It was a big win for us.

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West Brom manager Alan Irvine (via PremierLeague.com):

"

I was disappointed in how we used the ball in the first half. I was disappointed we didn't show enough courage on the ball. I challenged the players to be braver at half-time and in the second half we gave Liverpool a difficult game. From our point of view, we've got a few things we're disappointed with.

"