AHEAD of the starting whistle, Nuno’s line up was about as good as [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-vs-liverpool-preview-team-news-predicted-line-ups/) fans could have expected. Perhaps purists would have liked to see George Earthy involved whilst Summerville is still injured – but in a real world scenario Nuno looks to have picked his strongest side: Few will argue with Max Kilman being dropped to the bench after his recent form. Whether Mavropanos can sustain the fitness- and focus- for a full 90 minutes remains to be seen.
The Hammers deployed initially in a 4-2-3-1 set up with Paquetá central in his ’10’ role, Fernandes on the left and Bowen on the right behind Callum Wilson: Potts and Magassa sitting as the more defensive of the midfield. As the half wore on, Fernandes and Paquetá swapped with the Brazilian moving wide, to little or zero effect.
No changes in personnel at half time. Once Isak squeezed in Liverpool’s first goal – after some prolonged Hammers’ pressure with a trio of corners – West Ham fans waited to see how Nuno would respond. Activity at 67 minutes with Guilherme introduced for Magassa, along with Liverpool’s Ekitike introduced for Isak. West Ham changed shape, a traditional left winger with the entrance of the Brazilian.
Limited options on the bench and a lack of urgency
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Fullkrug followed for Wilson at 77 minutes; West Ham having scarce few attacking options on the bench. Paquetá’s ridiculous red threw a further curve ball at Nuno, West Ham now a goal down and a player down. Soucek was the final throw of the dice replacing Freddie Potts who hadn’t put a foot wrong.
Two nil as West Ham pushed forwards with ten men: Dispiriting afternoon complete.Too timid, no goal threat, no urgency.
Limp, lacklustre. West Ham’s manager sent out a decent team, made the changes you’d expect, no obvious howlers there.
_Just so, so limited ambition-wise._ **Nuno’s score? A generous 4/10 overall,** I’d say .
**On the sad day of Billy Bonds’ passing how you’d have hoped for some passion from the head coach or his players. Nope. West Ham played the ‘reputation’ rather than the eleven opponents who, for 75 minutes were there for the taking. Liverpool won’t get many easier games this season.**