Liverpool continued their winning streak in the Premier League with a 3-1 triumph over West Ham United at Anfield. The game saw some standout performances from Liverpool players as they secured their fifth consecutive league victory.
The match began with West Ham showing early promise, with Tomás Soucek coming close to putting the Hammers ahead, only to be denied by an exceptional save from Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson.
Liverpool’s most dangerous moments came on the counter-attack, and it paid off when Luis Díaz made a decisive run down the left wing and delivered a dangerous cross into the box. This led to Mohamed Salah winning and successfully converting a penalty in the 16th minute.
West Ham remained a threat, primarily by delivering direct crosses into the penalty area. Their persistence paid off as Jarrod Bowen’s precise header found the back of the net, leveling the score just before halftime.
After the break, Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez had an opportunity to regain the lead but missed the target. However, he made amends with a clinical volley, expertly set up by Alexis Mac Allister’s perfectly placed pass.
In the 85th minute, Virgil van Dijk secured the victory for Liverpool by nodding a corner back into the six-yard box, allowing substitute Diogo Jota to score from close range.
The Game Highlights:
- West Ham initially posed a threat, with Tomás Soucek coming close to scoring, but Alisson’s superb save denied him.
- Liverpool’s attack proved potent on the break, resulting in Mohamed Salah winning and converting a penalty in the 16th minute, courtesy of a dangerous ball from Luis Díaz.
- Jarrod Bowen’s precise header off the post leveled the score for West Ham just before halftime.
- Darwin Núñez missed an opportunity to regain Liverpool’s lead but made amends with a clinical volley from Alexis Mac Allister’s perfectly placed pass.
- Virgil van Dijk sealed the game’s fate with a headed assist for Diogo Jota in the 85th minute.
Key Positives: Liverpool exhibited patience in their approach against a well-organized West Ham defense, creating numerous scoring opportunities. The team also defended set pieces effectively, with James Ward-Prowse delivering some challenging deliveries for West Ham.
Areas for Improvement: Liverpool conceded several chances to West Ham, and they were punished when Bowen’s header found the back of the net. The team must focus on starting games more effectively to avoid early deficits.
Manager Rating: 8/10 Jurgen Klopp’s tactical approach in this match demonstrated a more patient style of play, which paid off. His decision to start with Nunez also proved fruitful, as the striker scored a crucial goal.
Player Ratings:
- Alisson (GK): 8/10
- Andy Robertson (DF): 6/10
- Virgil van Dijk (DF): 8/10
- Joël Matip (DF): 7/10
- Joe Gomez (DF): 6/10
- Alexis Mac Allister (MF): 7/10
- Curtis Jones (MF): 6/10
- Dominik Szoboszlai (MF): 7/10
- Luis Diaz (FW): 6/10
- Darwin Nunez (FW): 8/10
- Mohamed Salah (FW): 7/10
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes):
- Ryan Gravenberch (MF): N/R
- Cody Gakpo (FW): N/R
- Diogo Jota (FW): N/R
- Wataru Endo (MF): N/R
Liverpool’s victory showcased their ability to adapt and create chances, with Núñez and Van Dijk playing pivotal roles in securing the win. The team’s performance highlights their potential to maintain their Premier League success.
