Philippe Coutinho increases Liverpool’s lead (Video)

Liverpool’s diminutive midfield maestro Philippe Coutinho has doubled Liverpool’s lead with an effortless 36th minute strike.

Darren Fletcher played a suicide pass back to his goalkeeper, which Ben Foster had all sorts of difficulties dealing with. He flubbed his clearance, putting the impetus squarely on Liverpool’s more than capable shoulders.

The ball bounced favorably to Sadio Mane who took a few delicate touches before laying it off to Coutinho. The Brazilian midfielder cut the ball back with his left foot and then smashed it into the bottom corner. It looked all too easy for Coutinho, whose skill and trickery left West Brom defenders wondering what had just transpired. In the blink of an eye, Coutinho doubled the Reds first half lead.

Usually stubborn and difficult to break down, West Brom have been torn apart by Liverpool’s incisive first-half passing. The Reds are in the mood and cutting through West Brom like a hot knife through butter.

Liverpool aren’t allowing West Brom the time to set up and organize defensively. Pinging the ball around the park quickly, with zip and accuracy, the Reds are living up to their title contender billing.

Liverpool will usurp Arsenal and take over first place in the Premier League if they end up winning this game by two or more goals. The Reds, who have now scored 20 goals thus far, have the league’s most prolific offense.

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West Brom will stay in 13th place if this result stands. The Baggies, if they’re to get back into this match, will have to take more chances, which could leave them susceptible at the back. If they do try get back into the match, look for Liverpool to score one or two more on the counter.

Though it might be brief, Liverpool are a mere 45 minutes away from sitting pretty atop the Premier League.