Livermore in critical assessment of West Brom as Leeds reclaim top spot

Jo Harrison

West Brom midfielder Jake Livermore has criticised West Brom’s performance on Saturday afternoon after the Baggies drew 0-0 away to Swansea and conceded top spot in the Championship to Leeds United.

Slaven Bilic’s men dominated possession at the Liberty Stadium and had 10 shots in the game, but only one was on target in an uncharacteristically blunt attacking performance.

Livermore, who is in his third full season at West Brom, had this to say on his side’s performance: “It’s not doom and gloom because the boys have done well and we’ve got to keep our spirits up.

“We could pat each other on the back and say we did alright but unfortunately it’s fine lines in this league and that’s not good enough for where we want to be.”

Albion surrendered top spot to Leeds as Marcelo Bielsa’s men recorded a 2-0 win over Huddersfield at Elland Road.

Livermore and West Brom will be looking for a reaction as they face rivals Birmingham on Saturday. The Baggies still have a six-point lead over third-placed Fulham, hence why Livermore stressed the fact that it is not “doom and gloom” in the dressing room.

However, as Livermore said, Saturday’s performance was not of the level they need to be at if they are to achieve promotion. They still have key games to play against Fulham and Brentford.