Full Time: Liverpool 4-0 West Ham United
Liverpool made a thrilling start to their Premier League campaign with a thumping 4-0 win over West Ham United. Anfield was in full throttle as the Liverpool’s front three got off on the front foot. Usual suspect Mohamed Salah opened the scoring from a quick counter-attack that saw Robertson send a teasing ball in.
Sadio Mane struck a brilliant second, which saw Salah curve the ball into the far corner of the box with Milner volleying it back in for the Senegalese international to tap it home. Mane got on the scoresheet once again, with Robert Firmino teeing the No.10 up but replays showed the Senegalese winger was in an offside position.
West Ham United were all over the place as Liverpool’s midfield dominated the ball throughout the game. The Reds had scored four goals in each of the last four games against the Hammers and Daniel Sturridge scored with his first touch of the game via a corner.
As Liverpool were at their scintillating best, expectations will certainly rise at Anfield.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker (GK) – 6/10
The Brazilian almost looked like a tourist in this game with West Ham barely threatening Liverpool’s debutant in goal. Alisson was largely untested and endured a quiet game.
Andrew Robertson (LB) – 10/10
There’s no denying that the Scot is currently the best left-back in the league. He was defensively solid and supplied the assist for Salah’s first goal. Robertson almost racked up another assist.
Virgil Van Dijk (CB) – 8/10
The Dutch international once again proved his dominance in defence. Van Dijk was a rock at the back and barely looked out of place.
Joe Gomez (CB) – 7/10
The youngster did well, deputising for Dejan Lovren. He made a couple of vital tackles and interceptions.
Trent Alexander Arnold (RB) – 7/10
If not for a brilliant save from Lukasz Fabianski, Alexander Arnold would have been on the scoresheet. His teasing free-kick was brilliantly saved by the former Swansea City man. The youngster was defensively impressive as well.
James Milner (RCM) – 8/10
Liverpool’s midfield engine was once again in energetic form. Milner doesn’t seem to be affected by age. The midfielder notched up two assists as well.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM)- 6/10
Wijnaldum endured a mediocre game but was impressive with his distribution and running in the midfield. The Dutchman needs to improve on his finishing though.
Naby Keita (LCM) – 8/10
Another Premier League debutant for Liverpool, Keita covered almost all the green on the field. He was behind the act in almost every single goal. The midfielder will certainly live up to the hype and his price tag.
Sadio Mane (LW) – 10/10
Man of the match performance from the Senegalese international. Mane scored two excellent goals and he could be Liverpool’s main man this season. With all the limelight on Mohamed Salah, Mane could be the one to steal the show.
Roberto Firmino (ST)- 7/10
It never does feel complete without Bobby Firmino getting in on the act but the Brazilian played a crucial role for the Reds. As always, there’s more to Firmino’s game than just his goals.
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 9/10
A brand new season but the same old Mo Salah, it took Liverpool’s little Egyptian less than 20 minutes to get his first goal of the season. Salah came close on a couple of occasions as well and looked at his very best throughout the game.
Substitutes
Jordan Henderson (CM) – 5/10
Henderson looked energetic after coming on. The midfielder ensured Liverpool held onto the ball and saw out the win.
Xherdan Shaqiri (RW) – 5/10
The Swiss international didn’t have enough time to exert his influence on the game, but looked exciting on the ball.
Daniel Sturridge (ST) – 7/10
Sturridge got on the scoresheet with his first touch of the game. He’s still got the ability and the talent to get back to his very best.