Liverpool 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur: Liverpool Player Ratings

In the end, it was inevitable but West Ham made Liverpool work. There is a sense of inevitability about the Reds that suggests that Jurgen Klopp’s team will find a way, no matter what you throw at them.

They looked to have got to the best of starts as Gini Wijnaldum eased in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross to put the reds a goal to the good in the ninth minute.

Instead of withering and crumbling, the Hammers took the game to Liverpool and equalized less than three minutes later. Issa Diop headed in at the near post from a corner to bring his side level.

Pablo Fornals finished neatly from a Declan Rice cross in the second half to give West Ham a shock lead. Liverpool’s unbeaten run looked to be in threat with less than a half to go.

Jurgen Klopp changed the game by bringing on the excellent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Naby Keita. The 26-year-old immediately added drive and zeal into the Reds midfield as they pushed up in search of an equalizer.

It finally came when Fabianski let Mohamed Salah’s shot roll past him into the goal. The day was to get much worse for the Polish keeper as an error in judgment led to Sadio Mane tapping the winner into an empty net.

It was harsh on the player as he had an otherwise excellent game. Mane scored again only for the goal to be ruled out for offside while Alisson denied Bowen a golden opportunity at the other end.

Liverpool held on through a nervy last minute to see out the game and extend their unbeaten run at Anfield to 54 games in the league. More importantly, the Reds need just 12 more points to be crowned the champions of England.

We take a look at below at the Liverpool Player ratings for the win.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Alisson Becker (7/10)

Should have done better for West Ham’s opener. Redeemed himself later on with an excellent stop from Antonio before denying Bowen late on as the young winger broke free of the Liverpool backline.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.5/10)

Stepped up his crossing and ability on set pieces after the disappointing outing against Atletico Madrid. Provided a pinpoint cross for Wijnaldum’s opener and set up Mane’s winner with a well-weighted pass. Could have had a hat-trick of assists if Liverpool’s fourth wasn’t chalked off for offside.

Joe Gomez(5/10)

A day to forget for the youngster. Was harassed all night by Antonio and looked to come out second best more often than now. Almost put the player through with a misguided touch in the first half, thankfully the West Ham attacker’s heavy touch helped Alisson collect the ball.

Lost his marker for both the Hammers’ goals. Will do well to learn from this performance and improve.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10)

Closed down the West Ham attacks well and also had a header bounce off the post. Brought the ball out of defense well and even made a few accurate long passes.

Won a few headers late into the game as West Ham threatened.

Andrew Robertson (7.5/10)

A lively performance by the Scottish captain. Was accomplished in attack and defense as he ran u and down the flank all night. Kept his international compatriot Robert Snodgrass quiet all night and also added to his assist tally by setting up Salah for Liverpool’s equalizer.

A rare lapse of concentration saw him play Bowen onside. Thankfully Alisson was at hand to deny the winger.

Fabinho (7/10)

Mopped up well and won back the ball a number of times. Wasn’t helped by Keita’s performance as it looked like he had to cover a lot of area at times. He was much better after the break as Liverpool piled on the pressure.

Georginio Wijnaldum (7/10)

He took his goal well and Liverpool the best possible start.  Could on build on the promising start and made a number misplaced passes in good areas. Improved considerably in the second half as Liverpool looked for a winner.

Naby Keita (4/10)

An extremely disappointing performance by the Guinean who started off well but seemed to fade for no apparent reason. Was rightfully taken off in the second half for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. To his credit, his direct running played a part in Wijnaldum’s opener.

Sadio Mane (6.5/10)

Showed intent and never gave up running all night. He was rewarded for his persistence as he was on hand to tap in the winner after excellent work by Alexander-Arnold. Scored his second of the night late on, but had it ruled out for offside.

Roberto Firmino (6.5/10)

Did well to link up with his teammates and made the most of the space denied by the Hammers defense. Worked tirelessly all night and was always available for a pass.

Had two wonderful opportunities in the second half but could not finish them off. Missed a header from a yard out, although it was harder than it looked.

Mohamed Salah (6/10)

Not the all-encompassing performance we have come to expect of the Egyptian. Forced a neat save from Fabianksi in the first half and came to life after Oxlade Chamberlain was brought on.

Got a lucky break for Liverpool’s equalizer and used his pace to good effect as Liverpool sought a winner.

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Substitutes

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(8/10)

Instantly added more drive and purpose to the Liverpool midfield. Ran at the West Ham defense and changed the flow of the game. A game-changing substitution as the Englishman provided the necessary midfield impetus for Liverpool to turn the tide.

Joel Matip (NA)

Came on late for Sadio Mane as Liverpool looked to see the game out.