Ibe’s brilliance earns Liverpool draw
Jordon Ibe scored his first Premier League goal in brilliant fashion as Liverpool warmed up for the Europa League final by rounding off their Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw at West Brom.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp named several youngsters in his XI at The Hawthorns, with the Reds due to play Sevilla in Basle on Wednesday. Victory in that match would secure them a place in the Champions League next season.
The hosts made the most of the absence of the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino when Salomon Rondon struck the opener after brilliant work by their own youngster, Jonathan Leko.
Liverpool went in level at the break, though, as Ibe netted his first top-flight goal with a fine solo effort, finishing calmly after showing brilliant pace down the right.
West Brom created the better chances after the break, with Rondon particularly dangerous – including hitting the post with a header early in the second half – but Tony Pulis’ men ended the season on a nine-match winless run.
Klopp’s side, meanwhile, finished eighth, but the German was able to welcome back captain Jordan Henderson and Danny Ings – who had missed one and seven months respectively with knee injuries – in the second half in a boost to Liverpool’s options ahead of the continental showpiece.
Before kick-off, Darren Fletcher and ex-Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert laid wreaths in tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy, while 96 away seats were painted red and left empty.
