Liverpool drop home points against West Brom

LIVERPOOL, England (AP):

Liverpool dropped points at Anfield for the first time this season after conceding an 82nd-minute equaliser to draw 1-1 against lowly West Bromwich Albion yesterday.

The champions looked set to move five points clear – for the biggest lead of their Premier League title defence so far – thanks to Sadio Mane’s 12th-minute goal.

However, what had been a one-sided match changed when Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip was forced off injured in the 60th minute.

And from one of West Brom’s half-chances, Semi Ajayi rose above Fabinho to head the ball in off the far post, allowing West Brom to snatch a point despite only enjoying 22 per cent possession.

RELEGATION BATTLE

It was Sam Allardyce’s first away match in charge of West Brom after taking over a team likely to be embroiled in a relegation scrap this season. He is known as a survival specialist and this is the type of battling result ‘Big Sam’ is known to secure, against the odds.

Liverpool have a three-point lead over second-place Everton, their close neighbours on Merseyside. The Reds had won their first seven home matches.

Leeds 1-0 Burnley

West Ham 2-2 Brighton

Liverpool 1-1 West Brom

Wolverhampton 1-1 Tottenham

Crystal Palace v Leicester 10 a.m.

Chelsea v Aston Villa 12:30 p.m.

Everton v Man City 3 p.m.