Roberto Firmino grabbed the winner as Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory at West Brom to bolster their hopes of a top four finish.

The Brazilian nodded in his 12th goal of the season at the end of the first half to lift the Reds two points above Manchester City into third place in the standings.

The Merseysiders had been frustrated prior to that as the Baggies sat deep and looked to catch the visitors on the counter attack with Nacer Chadli and Hal Robson-Kanu going close in a first period devoid of any real quality.

Liverpool dominated and controlled the second half and should have added to their tally with James Milner spurning a gilt-edged chance before the hour.

Simon Mignolet then made a brilliant late save to deny Matt Phillips to secure the victory that means Liverpool are now nine points clear of Everton in fifth place. Arsenal and Manchester United have games in hand - but Jurgen Klopp's men still have control of their own destiny with just five matches to play.

West Brom remain eighth but have only won one of their last seven outings and look to be suffering a familiar late season drop in form after passing the 'magic' 40-point mark.