Liverpool again failed to beat a side in the top half of the Barclays Premier League table as West Brom registered a fortuitous first win at Anfield.
Steven Gerrard was denied from the penalty spot courtesy of a brilliant save from man of the match Ben Foster in the 77th minute and the Baggies broke the deadlock just four minutes later.
West Brom did not have a shot at goal until Youssuf Mulumbu's sliced effort in the 80th minute produced a great save from Pepe Reina, only seconds later Gareth McAuley powered in a header from the resultant corner.
Liverpool players react to Gareth McAuley's opener
The imposing Romelu Lukaku then beat Daniel Agger with alarming ease to slam in a second in the 90th minute to complete West Brom's double against Liverpool, following their 3-0 victory on the opening day of the season.
Brendan Rodgers conceded Gerrard's failure to convert his penalty - erroneously awarded after Luis Suárez succumbed to gravitational pull - was the obvious turning point, but the hosts were heavily reliant on the livewire Suárez again.
Daniel Sturridge miserably sat in the stands as injury prevented the forward from adding to his four goals from six games for the Reds. Not only has the England international been an instant success at Anfield, he has alleviated the burden on Suárez, who experienced a fruitless evening.
Raheem Sterling and debutant Philippe Coutinho were both sent on to sharpen Liverpool's blunt attack at 0-0 but minutes later the dithering Agger lost McAuley for the sucker punch.
Liverpool 0-2 West Brom
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Liverpool's Luis Suarez, left, crosses a ball with his back foot as West Bromwich Albion's Jonas Olsson dives in during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(02 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Gareth McAuley of West Bromwich Albion celebrates with his team-mates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(03 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool competes with Claudio Yacob of West Bromwich Albion during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Liverpool's Luis Suarez, left, accidentally jams a finger into the face of teammate Fabio Borini as their team lose 2-0 to West Bromwich Albion during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Liverpool's Jonjo Shelvey, left, fights for the ball against West Bromwich Albion's Youssuf Mulumbu during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho controls a ball as his team lose 2-0 to West Bromwich Albion during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, right, fights for the ball against West Bromwich Albion's Steven Reid during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Liverpool's Daniel Agger, top, attempts a header as his team lose 2-0 to West Bromwich Albion during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Liverpool's Steven Gerrard controls a ball as his team lose 2-0 to West Bromwich Albion during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Liverpool's Luis Suarez, left, crosses a ball with his back foot as West Bromwich Albion's Jonas Olsson dives in during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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West Bromwich Albion's manager Steve Clarke watches as his team beat Liverpool 2-0 during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(12 of53)
Liverpool Luis Suarez (right) and Steven Gerrard (left) look dejected after West Bromwich Albion's Romelu Lukaku (not in picture) scores his teams second goal of the game (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(13 of53)
Steven Gerrard looks dejected after West Bromwich Albion's Romelu Lukaku (not in picture) scores his teams second goal of the game (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(14 of53)
West Bromwich Albion's Romelu Lukaku (left) celebrates scoring his teams second goal of the game with teammate Claudio Yacob (right) (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(15 of53)
Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(16 of53)
Liverpool players look dejected after West Bromwich Albion's Romelu Lukaku (not in picture) scores his teams second goal of the game (credit:PA)
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Liverpool's Steven Gerrard reacts as his team lose 2-0 to West Bromwich Albion during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, left, fights for the ball against West Bromwich Albion's Claudio Yacob during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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West Bromwich Albion's goalkeeper Ben Foster, left, saves at the feet of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard as Jonas Olsson, right, looks on during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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West Bromwich Albion's Gareth McAuley, left, celebrates with teammate Chris Brunt after scoring against Liverpool during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(21 of53)
Liverpool's Gareth McAuley (left) goalkeeper Pepe Reina (centre) and Steven Gerrard (right) look dejected after West Bromwich Albion's Romelu Lukaku (not in picture) scores his teams second goal of the game (credit:PA)
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West Bromwich Albion's Gareth McAuley, second right, celebrates with teammates including fellow goalscorer Romelu Lukaku, left, after scoring against Liverpool during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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West Bromwich Albion's goalkeeper Ben Foster smiles as his team beat Liverpool 2-0 during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(24 of53)
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina looks dejected after West Bromwich Albion's Romelu Lukaku (not in picture) scores his teams second goal of the game (credit:PA)
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West Bromwich Albion's goalkeeper Ben Foster smiles as his team beat Liverpool 2-0 during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(26 of53)
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers (left) and West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke (right) on the touchline (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(27 of53)
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (right) rues a missed chance in front of West Bromwich Albion's Gareth McAuley (left) (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(28 of53)
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard rues a missed chance (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(29 of53)
Liverpool's Luis Suarez (right) and West Bromwich Albion's Chris Brunt (left) battle for the ball (credit:PA)
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Liverpool's Jamie Carragher, right, keeps the ball from West Bromwich Albion's Youssuf Mulumbu during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(31 of53)
West Bromwich Albion's Graham Dorrans (left) and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (right) battle for the ball (credit:PA)
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Liverpool's Luis Suarez, bottom is felled by West Bromwich Albion's Steven Reid during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Liverpool's Luis Suarez, right, fights for the ball against West Bromwich's Gareth McAuley during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(34 of53)
West Bromwich Albion's Youssouf Mulumbu (left) and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (right) battle for the ball (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Anfield(35 of53)
West Bromwich Albion's Peter Odemwingie (credit:PA)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-WEST BROM(36 of53)
Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard reacts after West Brom's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 11, 2013. West Bromwich won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications === (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-WEST BROM(37 of53)
Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (C) vies with West Bromwich Albion's Congolese defender Youssuf Mulumbu (R) and West Bromwich Albion's Argentine midfielder Claudio Yacob during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 11, 2013. West Bromwich won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications === (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-WEST BROM(38 of53)
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers reacts during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 11, 2013. West Bromwich won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications === (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-WEST BROM(39 of53)
Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (L) vies with West Bromwich Albion's Argentine midfielder Claudio Yacob during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 11, 2013. West Bromwich won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications === (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-WEST BROM(40 of53)
Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (R) vies with West Bromwich Albion's Irish defender Steven Reid during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 11, 2013. West Bromwich won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications === (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-WEST BROM(41 of53)
Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (front) is challenged by West Bromwich Albion's Argentine midfielder Claudio Yacob during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 11, 2013. West Bromwich won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications === (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-WEST BROM(42 of53)
Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (L) vies with West Bromwich Albion's Argentine midfielder Claudio Yacob during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 11, 2013. West Bromwich won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications === (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-WEST BROM(43 of53)
Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard reacts after West Brom's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 11, 2013. West Bromwich won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications === (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-WEST BROM(44 of53)
Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (C) vies with West Bromwich Albion's Congolese defender Youssuf Mulumbu (R) and West Bromwich Albion's Argentine midfielder Claudio Yacob during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 11, 2013. West Bromwich won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications === (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(45 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(46 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Gareth McAuley of West Bromwich Albion scores the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(47 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Luis Suarez of Liverpool goes down in the penalty box during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(48 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Luis Suarez of Liverpool goes down in the penalty box during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(49 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Ben Foster of West Bromwich Albion celebrates the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(50 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Ben Foster of West Bromwich Albion celebrates the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(51 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool takes and subsequently misses a penalty kick during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(52 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Gareth McAuley of West Bromwich Albion scores the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(53 of53)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Gareth McAuley of West Bromwich Albion scores the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on February 11, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Rodgers said only last month Liverpool could finish second this season. An outlandish proclamation at the time, Liverpool are now 17 points adrift of Manchester City and West Brom have leapfrogged them after Monday night's result.
Sitting unpretty in ninth, 12 points off of a Champions League berth and eliminated from the FA Cup by Oldham, European football could return to Anfield only via a Europa League triumph in May.