Despite a disastrous 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley a couple of weeks back, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool regained their confidence to some extent following back to back victories over Huddersfield Town and Champions League opponents NK Maribor at Anfield.
The Merseysiders were looking to continue their winning streak against a struggling West Ham United side who, despite a sensational comeback win against Spurs in League Cup Round of 16 fixture, suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat to newly promoted Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium which was followed by a 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Crystal Palace last weekend.
Slaven Bilic, the Hammers boss, has been under pressure for months now and he was looking to grab a favourable outcome in order to make his stance strong. But things went completely wrong for the Croatian as his side suffered a disastrous 4-1 defeat which has further jeopardised his future now. A dismissal is now expected during the international break.
Mohamed Salah scored a brace, while Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored as well, as Liverpool eased to a 4-1 win over West Ham. The win takes Liverpool to 6th place in the Premier League table.
Here’s how the Liverpool players fared against the Hammers.
Was lucky as he was beaten by Andre Ayew early in the first-half, whose strike, unfortunately, struck the woodwork. Made a couple of decent clearances but he took unnecessary risks a few times.
Had an intriguing first-half but was in shambles since the break as his error proved costly for the Reds when Manuel Lanzini pulled one back early in the second half. Was lucky not to concede minutes later as he failed to defend properly once again, which, however, was hit off target by the Argentine.
Matip was aerially solid and did well to contain Chicharito throughout the game. Did not let Andy Carroll pose threats inside the box.
Was on his toes in early minutes against Andre Ayew but improved later on. Was calm and composed against West Ham’s attacking threats early in the second-half.
Marked his first Premier League start for Liverpool with a goal in the second-half to restore the two-goal lead seconds after conceding. Liverpool played with a ‘three-man backline’ and Oxlade-Chamberlain started in the right wing-back slot. But he worked tirelessly and created ample amount of opportunities in the attacking third. Was taken off towards the end to be replaced by Dejan Lovren.
This might be the last season of Liverpool’s contract rebel, but the Germany international was excellent once more in the midfield. He tracked back to regain possession and his runs down the middle as well as physicality created all sorts of problems for the Irons.
Did not offer much offensively but settled things down in midfield. Held possession and helped his side make counter attacking moves from a deeper midfield slot.
Another impressive outing which justifies why he has been called up to the Spain national team. He was decent defensively and often combined with Sadio Mane down the left flank to create opportunities up front.
The Egyptian sensation is proving his worth every time and scored twice this evening to take his tally to 12 goals in 17 outings in Liverpool colours.
He impressed with his work ethics and forced Joe Hart to make an early stop. Set it up for Oxlade-Chamberlain to score his goal but missed a glaring opportunity in the second-half to mark his name on the scoresheet. Was replaced by Dominic Solanke in the closing minutes.
A sensational return from injury as he set it up beautifully for Mo Salah from a Liverpool counter as the latter broke the deadlock in the first-half. He again did well to find Salah who scored his second and his side’s fourth of the evening with an excellent finish. Was replaced by James Milner late in the second half.
Won back possession, made some purposeful forward runs, had opportunities to score but could not finish.
Replaced Firmino in the 87th minute.
Replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 87th minute.
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