Roberto Firmino was in top form as Liverpool produced a 1-0 victory away to West Brom on Sunday, with the Brazilian showcasing his all-round brilliance.
The 25-year-old struck on the cusp of half-time to notch his 12th goal of the season and secure a priceless three points as the Reds continue their top-four push.
Travelling to the West Midlands to take on Tony Pulis’ well-drilled Baggies, Liverpool will have been wary of the test to come.
And it certainly proved a battle, with Jurgen Klopp needing to steel his side for a tough fight throughout, with few genuine opportunities to test West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Despite the fraught contest playing out at the Hawthorns, Firmino was still able to shine, with the striker’s brilliant performance fuelling the victory.
Firmino was excellent both on and off the ball, with statistics after the game proving his ability to mesh defence and attack with ease.
He won 100 percent of his attempted tackles, as well as two headers, with his contribution in Liverpool’s defensive third proving vital as West Brom pushed for a late equaliser.
More impressive, however, was how Firmino performed up front, with the former Hoffenheim forward creating five chances, completing five dribbles and firing three shots on Foster’s goal.
Roberto Firmino game by numbers v West Brom:
100% tackles won
5 chances created
5 take-ons
3 shots
2 aerial duels won
1 goalNever stops ? pic.twitter.com/gvkIxK52m7
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 16, 2017
One of those, latching onto Lucas Leiva‘s flick-on on 45 minutes to nod home, proved to be decisive.
With the likes of Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane all suffering with injuries throughout the season, it has been a long, testing campaign for Firmino.
He has featured in 31 of the Reds’ 33 games in the Premier League so far, starting in 29 of those, and at times it has been clear he has been hampered with fatigue.
But with Liverpool seeking a place in next season’s Champions League, Firmino is back at his best.
Following his goal at the Hawthorns, he has now either scored or assisted in each of his last six games, in his most productive run of the term.
He has now notched 12 goals for 2016/17, beating his tally for his maiden season with the Reds, and inching him closer to being Liverpool’s top scorer, currently behind only Mane (13).
While he is unlikely to ever break the 20-goal mark, Firmino is an invaluable presence up front for Klopp.
And as his display on Easter Sunday proved, he is perfectly placed to propel the Reds to the Champions League, with just five games left to play.
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