Sam Allardyce believes West Bromwich Albion's draw at Liverpool was a result years in the making.
The struggling Baggies came from behind to earn a point in a 1-1 stalemate and end the Reds' 100% home Premier League record.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits he was taken aback by West Brom's ultra-defensive 6-4-0 approach during a one-sided first half.
But Allardyce - who only took charge at The Hawthorns a fortnight ago - reckons that approach was the result of his vast experience in charge of less-established sides.
"I've been able to master that over many years and that's why I've been doing it so long," he said.
"You can challenge the best in your league and you can challenge your tactics against theirs as, more often than not, recently, my players are seen as not as good as the opposition.
"We have to set out a tactical situation to nullify their strengths really and see what we can do by capitalising on what possession we get."
Semi Ajayi headed West Brom level towards the end of the second half after Sadio Mane had given the Reds a 12th-minute lead.
But Allardyce admitted he couldn't relax as he explained his emotions while speaking to talkSPORT.
"Tense and nervous, because I looked up at the clock to see how long was left and I was glad to see it was only about nine minutes plus injury time," he said.
"We had to defend the onslaught that Liverpool were putting on with everybody forward, and there were some magnificent saves from Sam Johnstone at the end as well."
