Gomez urges team-mates to make West Brom suffer

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has urged his team-mates to bounce back from the draw in the Merseyside derby when they host West Bromwich Albion today. The Reds were held 1-1 by Everton at Anfield despite having the bulk of possession in the match after Wayne Rooney’s penalty cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s opening goal.

The share of the points leaves Liverpool in fourth spot, 16 points off leaders Manchester City. Gomez believes the visit of the ‘Baggies’ so soon after that result gives Liverpool the opportunity to address their frustrations, even if West Brom try to adopt a similar defensive approach to Everton. “That’s one of the positives,” said Gomez.

“Obviously it’s tough, it’s a gruelling schedule but it gives you a chance to try and fix it straight away. “We’ve got to take the positives from the derby. I think we all put in a good fight and we knew the importance of the game and what it means and we all did our best.

“We’ve seen it a few times this season at Anfield-people know the attacking threats we have and tend to sit off a bit, especially because we are so quick on the counter.” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was criticised for leaving out Brazilian attacking duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino against Everton. The pair are expected to return to the starting line-up for today’s game having been introduced as late substitutes in the Merseyside derby.

Gomez regularly has to face Coutinho, Firmino in addition to Salah and Sadio Mane on the training ground and said the quality of Liverpool’s attacking players leaves him open-mouthed at times.

“Sometimes they do a few things and I am like ‘wow!’,” said the 20-year-old Englishman.—AFP