Jordan Henderson’s first Premier League start since August went well enough, as he scored and Divock Origi added a dramatic late equalizer to give the Reds a comeback 2-2 draw at Anfield against West Bromwich Albion.
Craig Dawson and Jonas Olsson scored for the Baggies, who sit 13th with 20 points.
The point inches Liverpool above rivals Everton and into ninth, level with West Ham (8th).
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Liverpool went ahead in the 21st minute through its captain, as Adam Lallana headed down Philippe Coutinho’s cross for Henderson to bury in the back of the net.
Simon Mignolet, however, gave his critics more info with a howler to let the Baggies back into the match. The Liverpool goalkeeper went up for a corner and totally missed the ball, then lost his way as Dawson calmly smashed a loose ball home.
There was drama near the end of the half, as Christian Benteke’s cross appeared to have been handled by Gareth McAuley. No call. At the other end, West Brom had a goal unawarded for offside.
The controversy came from a long delay before the refs overturned Jonas Olsson’s tally, as roughly half the Baggies’ team was offside.
[ MORE: Latest Premier League standings ]West Brom are a team who understand a brutal truth about football: Crap Goals and works of beauty count just the same
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) December 13, 2015
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But hold on! Olsson would score! The West Brom man rose to head Chris Brunt’s offering past Mignolet in the 72nd minute.
Just when it seemed the Baggies had added Liverpool to its collection of big name pelts, Origi tore into a shot that took a turn off a Baggie and beat Boaz Myhill to make it 2-2.