A trip to Anfield can be the most daunting encounter for even any top-flight coach in European football.
Unless, of course, you are Sam Allardyce – ‘Big Sam’ with the big stick.
Following WBA’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday, survival specialist Sam Allardyce has won two points more than any other manager against Jurgen Klopp at Anfield in the Premier League.
“Big Sam” – as he is widely known – pulled off another stunner Sunday, masterminding the moves behind likely relegation contenders West Bromwich Albion’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool as the champions dropped points at home for the first time in their Premier League title defense.
It’s fitting to bear in mind that this was only Allardyce’s second match in charge of West Brom since taking over, for his first managerial job in 18 months, with the team squatting in the relegation zone.
Quick flashback to April 2017 and it was Big Sam who led Crystal Palace to a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield – the last time Liverpool lost a league game at home.
Indeed, Allardyce is uniquely unbeaten in each of his last four league games at Anfield. They have all been with different clubs – and now West Brom – with a short spell as England coach coming in between.
“We kept a tight ship all the way through,” said Allardyce, who is out to prove once again why he has the status of English football’s survival specialist.