Liverpool 2-0 West Ham United: Liverpool Player Ratings
There was no comeback this time as Liverpool held on to a two-goal lead to go 19 clear of Manchester City with a 2-0 win over West Ham United at the London stadium.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in either half made sure that Liverpool took advantage of their game in hand to pull further away from Man City. The Reds now have a commanding 19 point lead over their nearest challenger.
With this victory, Liverpool has now joined an elite company of teams who have defeated all the other teams in the league at least once in the same season. (h/t Telegraph)
It wasn’t the swashbuckling all-action performance that Liverpool are capable of. It was measured and effective as the Reds once again got the job done.
Liverpool won a penalty when Divock Origi was tripped in the penalty area. Salah calmly stepped up to send Fabianksi the other way to put his side ahead.
Chamberlain scored from a Liverpool counter that came off a West Ham corner early in the second half to double his side’s lead and put the game to bed.
Jurgen Klopp’s side next play Southampton on Saturday, a win will see them go 22 points clear of City with Pep Guardiola’s side to play Tottenham the next day.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker (8/10)
Another clean sheet for the Brazilian. He stepped up whenever called upon and came on top against Robert Snodgrass and Declan Rice. Commanded his area well and was confident in claiming crosses. It’s a testament to the player’s ability that he made it look very simple at times.
Andy Robertson (7/10)
A wobbly start for the Scotsman, he gradually grew into the game the more it went on. Put in some inviting crosses and also went close with an effort.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10)
Another day,another clean sheet for the Dutch colossus. Wasn’t troubled by West Ham’s attack and organized his defense well. Cleared the ball from West Ham’s corner to set Liverpool off on a counter for their second.
Joe Gomez (7/10)
The youngster has gone from to strength since partnering Van Dijk. Another composed performance defensively and even brought the ball out of defense occasionally. Kept Sebastian Haller quiet all night.
Trent Alexander Arnold (6.5/10)
His crossing was somewhat lacking as the youngster was better defensively rather than going forward. Nearly scored an own goal in the second half and was subbed off for Naby Keita in the 78th minute.
Jordan Henderson (7/10)
The Liverpool skipper had an uncharacteristically below-par start. Improved as the game went on and provided a defensive shield to his back four. Was always present for a pass and to calm things down in midfield.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (7/10)
A lively performance by the Englishman. Blew hot and cold at times and showed good strength to blow past Lanzini and put the game to bed. Came off for Curtis Jones late in the game.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7/10)
More of the usual from the Dutch midfielder as he was quietly effective. Did his job well and kept a calm head in possession. Had one slip where he let Snodgrass through, thankfully Alisson was at hand to prevent the Scot.
Divock Origi (7/10)
He started of better than he had done against Shrewsbury Town. Was involved in Liverpool’s early probing of the West Ham defense and won the penalty for Salah’s opener. Faded as the game went on and was taken off with what looked like an injury.
Roberto Firmino (8/10)
The Brazilian striker was a lively presence upfront and did extremely well to keep the ball alive at times. linked up well with Salah and Origi and made space for them to run into. Almost continued his streak of scoring away goals, only for Fabianski to deny him with a smart save.
Mohamed Salah (8/10)
A goal and an assist for the Egyptian. He was a constant thorn in West Ham’s side and almost set up Robertson for a goal before converting from the penalty spot. Provided the assist for Chamberlain’s second-half strike before he himself hit the post in a later moment.
Substitutes
Fabinho (7/10)
Still getting back to his best. Added strength to the Liverpool midfield and played his part in breaking down West Ham’s attacks.
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Naby Keita (6.5/10)
A return from injury for the Guinean. Looked sharp and will do well to regain his pre-injury form.
Curtis Jones (NA)
Came on late for Chamberlain to gain more minutes with the first team.
