Liverpool suffered a chastening afternoon in Premier League 2 as they were thumped 5-0 at home by West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. The under-21 side had no answer to the clinical gameplan of the Baggies as they slumped to their heaviest defeat of the season at the Academy at Kirkby.

The result means Barry Lewtas's side are winless in their last five games in all competitions but, having lost only three times in the league, are still on track to qualify for the play-offs with their campaign having passed the halfway point.

Liverpool enjoyed significant possession throughout the game but struggled to fashion chances and were continually caught on the counter-attack.

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West Brom took the lead in the 14th minute when, after what appeared a handball in midfield from the visitors was missed by the officials, Eseosa Sule was put clear on goal and finished beyond Liverpool goalkeeper Harvey Davies.

With Rio Ngumoha lively, the Reds showed plenty of promise but fashioned only chances for Wellity Lucky and Trey Nyoni before the Baggies doubled their lead seven minutes from the break when a swift breakaway allowed Reyes Cleary to score.

The visitors went further ahead two minutes into the second half when Cleary scored his second with a low drive, before the scoreline was given a slightly uneven look with Sule scoring again on 86 minutes and Archie Kirton heading home in additional time.

Liverpool are next in Premier League 2 action at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, January 26 (kick-off 1pm).

LIVERPOOL U21s (4-2-3-1): Davies; Mabaya (Miles 71), Lucky (Pinnington 83), Nallo, Davidson; Pilling, Nyoni (Kelly 71); Kone-Doherty, Morrison, Ngumoha; Danns (Young 60). Subs: Misciur. BOOKINGS: Ngumoha, Davidson and Pinnington.