Liverpool won for the second time in eight Premier League games when they beat West Ham United 2-0 on Sunday at the London Stadium.
The first half was a dull affair, with the only opportunity of note created by the visitors, who could have taken the lead had Alexander Isak converted Cody Gakpo's headed knockdown after the 20th-minute mark.
However, the Swedish striker made amends with a third of the match left to play, when he instinctively buried a half-chance into the bottom-left corner.
The Hammers' task of getting back into the game was made nearly impossible when Lucas Paqueta picked up a late red card after being shown two yellows for harassing the referee.
Cody Gakpo capped off an improved performance from the visitors with a stoppage-time goal after he struck home from a central area in the box.
The loss leaves West Ham in 17th place with 11 points, level with 18th-placed Leeds United, whereas Liverpool end the weekend in eighth place with 21 points.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago / Propaganda Photo
The decision by Arne Slot to drop Mohamed Salah was bold, but the head coach will be able to point at the team's improved performance as justification.
However, the Reds were not particularly potent in the final third, with the club rarely producing moments of quality in front of goal, though they were better defensively.
Given Liverpool had lost nine of their prior 12 games in all competitions, winning was all that mattered, and Slot will be pleased that his side are only three points from third-placed Aston Villa in the hunt for Champions League football.
As for West Ham, a defeat against the Merseysiders would ordinarily not be seen as an unexpected outcome, but the lack of attacking intent on Sunday was concerning, with the hosts failing to produce a shot on target.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo may ultimately need to get to the January transfer window in order to address some of the team's flaws, and he will hope that the situation at the London Stadium does not deteriorate until then.
WEST HAM UNITED VS. LIVERPOOL HIGHLIGHTS
21st min: Alexander Isak (Liverpool) chance
© Imago / News Images
Joe Gomez clips a cross to the back post to Cody Gakpo, whose header falls in front of Alexander Isak, and the striker swipes at the ball as it bounces, but goalkeeper Alphonse Areola parries the attempt.
What a save!
Alexander Isak goal vs. West Ham United (60th min, West Ham United 0-1 Liverpool)
Alexander Isak bags his first Premier League goal for Liverpool ? pic.twitter.com/RUqYIK7hNa
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 30, 2025
Florian Wirtz threads a ball through to Cody Gakpo in the penalty area, and the winger cuts back to Isak, who finishes first time low into the left side of the net.
Isak's first Premier League goal for Liverpool!
84th min: Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United) red card
"It's ridiculous behaviour" ❌
Lucas Paquetá is SENT OFF for talking himself into a second booking. pic.twitter.com/Hgjy7kBck3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 30, 2025
Lucas Paqueta picks up a yellow for his protest at a foul awarded to Liverpool, but the Brazilian continues his complaints towards referee Darren England despite the intervention of teammates, and he is shown a second yellow.
What was Paqueta thinking?
Cody Gakpo goal vs. West Ham United (90+2nd min, West Ham United 0-2 Liverpool)
Cody Gakpo wraps it up for Liverpool ✅
A much-needed result for Arne Slot's side. pic.twitter.com/26u90bQzxb
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 30, 2025
Joe Gomez sends a cross into the box from the right that is deflected into the path of Cody Gakpo, who swivels in a central area and strikes into the right side of the goal to double Liverpool's lead.
Three points for the Reds!
MAN OF THE MATCH - FLORIAN WIRTZ
© Imago / Propaganda Photo
Florian Wirtz has often struggled to impact matches, but his influence on Liverpool was clear to see, with the club relying on the German for progression up the pitch.
While Liverpool did not produce numerous chances, Wirtz still excelled, ending the game with 95% passing accuracy (42/44) and 60% of his duels won (3/5).
WEST HAM UNITED VS. LIVERPOOL MATCH STATS
Possession: West Ham United 44%-56% Liverpool
Shots: West Ham United 7-9 Liverpool
Shots on target: West Ham United 0-5 Liverpool
Corners: West Ham United 7-2 Liverpool
Fouls: West Ham United 12-14 Liverpool
BEST STATS
Alexander Isak finally has his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, taking him 381 minutes and 10 shots to do it. pic.twitter.com/SN9hVRzYZN
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) November 30, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
West Ham United will play Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday, before facing Brighton & Hove Albion on December 7.
Liverpool are set to host Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday, but they will then travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds United three days later.