It wasn’t a defeat, but it certainly felt like it.
When referee Kevin Friend blew his final whistle, the sense of deflation could be keenly felt by the vast majority of those inside Anfield and supporters watching at home.
What should have been an evening where Liverpool strengthened their grip at Premier League summit instead became one where an old adversary underlined why they remain the ultimate party-pooper.
Yes, Sam Allardyce was at it once again.
Having been the last visiting manager to leave Anfield with three league points – way back in April 2017 when in charge of Crystal Palace – Allardyce had to be content with just the one here.
But it was no less than West Bromwich Albion deserved for sticking to their gameplan despite going behind to Sadio Mane’s 12th-minute strike.
In doing so, they gave themselves the opportunity to snatch an equaliser with eight minutes remaining through Semi Ajayi, while also highlighting a shortcoming that has, on various occasions in recent years, cost Liverpool.
The Reds dominance in the first half was such that, at one point, they could claim 84% possession.
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Yet other than the goal, their only effort on target was a late Roberto Firmino header brilliantly turned behind by Baggies goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
With the front three coming up against a bus parked in the traditional Allardyce style and West Brom defending crosses admirably, it was up to the midfield to provide the ingenuity.
Jordan Henderson tried to inject tempo, but Gini Wijnaldum looked tired and Curtis Jones lost his way in the second half.
How Liverpool could have done with Naby Keita, the Guinean instead absent having sustained yet another fitness issue.
Timely, then, that Thiago Alcantara is now primed to make his long-awaited return from injury. After all, it was for precisely this type of game the Spaniard was bought.
It’s not that there were any awful individual performances. In fact, the likes of Mane and Andy Robertson were impressive.
For once, though, the sum wasn’t even close to being equal to the parts. Throw in an injury to Joel Matip, and the gloom was tangible.
Still, Liverpool have again edged three points clear at the top. What this frustrating encounter emphasised, however, is the title defence is going to be one long slog compared to the procession of last season.
