Liverpool’s Joe Gomez (R) stands next to injured teammate Jordan Henderson during their English Premier League match against Everton, at Anfield in Liverpool, on December 10, 2017 © AFP/File / Paul ELLIS
LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, Dec 12 – 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 on Wednesday.
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.
West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans (L) clashes with Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha during their English Premier League match, at The Hawthorns stadium in West Bromwich, on December 2, 2017 © AFP/File / Ben STANSALL
“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 Wednesday’s game having been introduced as late substitutes in the Merseyside derby.
– ‘Wow!’ –
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.
“It is not that you get used to it, you expect it from them because you know how good they are.
“Their standards never drop. That is one of the pluses at being at a club like Liverpool at this moment in time.”
Liverpool will check on the fitness of striker Daniel Sturridge for the Premier League clash at Anfield after he missed the derby with a hamstring problem.
West Brom head for Anfield without a win in 14 Premier League games and with new manager Alan Pardew having collected just one point and no goals from his first two games in charge.
The 1-0 defeat by fellow strugglers Swansea on Saturday deepened fears over their Premier League survival but captain Jonny Evans says Pardew has tried to boost confidence in the camp.
“He’s trying to instil confidence in the team, he’s encouraging us to go forward and express ourselves,” said Evans.
“I think the lads are all enjoying that side of it.
“It’ll take time, work on the training field. He’ll make sure we’re well drilled and will build our confidence by doing things over and over again.”
