Liverpool ended their dire run of form with a much-needed victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium. The visitors were in desperate need of a positive result as they headed into the contest having lost nine of their previous 12 matches. They were made to work hard for all three points but Alexander Isak's heroics in the second half gave them exactly what they needed.
It was a much-improved display from Liverpool in the first half, with Mohamed Salah not involved after being dropped to the bench. They went close to breaking the deadlock several times but the score remained level at the interval. West Ham began to pile on the pressure in the second half but it was Liverpool who found a breakthrough with Isak scoring from the centre of the box.
The hosts regained the upper hand in the closing stages but were reduced in numbers when Lucas Paqueta brainlessly talked himself into a second booking, just moments after being cautioned for a foul. Liverpool, meanwhile, doubled their lead in stoppage time with Cody Gakpo smashing home from close range to make sure of the result.
Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool players following today's win...
Liverpool player ratings vs West Ham
Alisson Becker - 6
Went down after a heavy blow in the first half but was able to continue. Didn't have much else to do with the hosts posing little threat to his goal in spite of their late pressure.
Joe Gomez - 7
Brought a sense of calm on the right flank, keeping things tight at the back and venturing forward to help his attacking team-mates.
Ibrahima Konate - 6
Was sloppy with his passing in the early exchanges but stepped up to close down attacking moves on a number of occasions.
Virgil van Dijk - 6
Did his defensive duties well enough to earn a clean sheet. Tried to get the Reds going forward with some searching diagonals.
Milos Kerkez - 6
Brought energy down the left side of the pitch, bombing up to help out in attack while chipping in with some important defensive contributions.
Ryan Gravenberch - 6
Had a decent game, using his direct running and range of passing to move Liverpool up the pitch. Looked confident in the middle of the park.
Alexis Mac Allister - 6
Tried to take charge of the engine room and worked hard, but was let down by a lack of mobility in certain situations.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 7
Influenced the game both in and out of possession, keeping the pressure on West Ham's defenders and carving out chances with some fine passes. Had a big hand in Liverpool's second goal.
Florian Wirtz - 8
The best player for the most part, working hard to make things happen in the final third. Unlucky not to open the scoring just before the break. Much, much better from him.
Cody Gakpo - 8
Started slowly but grew into the game. Created opportunities with some clever lay-offs inside the box. Got the assist for Isak's goal with a nice cut-back and doubled Liverpool's lead in stoppage time.
Alexander Isak - 8
Got himself in the right place to bury a first-time finish and put Liverpool ahead. Took it well and will be hoping to build up some much-needed confidence as a result.
Substitutes
Hugo Ekitike - 6
Looked lively when he came on but wasn't able to get himself a goal.
Curtis Jones - 6
Was tasked with seeing the game out and did his job well enough.
Andy Robertson - n/a
A late addition.