Joe Gomez was one of the best players on the pitch as Liverpool strolled to a 2-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.
The Reds were badly in need of a victory after heading into the game on the back of three consecutive heavy defeats.
Thankfully, the Hammers proved to be the perfect opposition, with Liverpool able to collect a solid win and a clean sheet to boot.
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Who was your man of the match during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over West Ham?
Alexander Isak shakes hands with Arne Slot after being substituted during Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Having got himself fit again, Gomez was key to the win, slotting in at right-back and looking endlessly more comfortable than either Dominik Szoboszlai or Curtis Jones.
The 28-year-old had a hand in the first goal before assisting for Cody Gakpo’s second, and has now cemented himself as Liverpool’s best current right-back option. Unfortunately for Gomez, though, fitness issues may prevent him from building on it this Wednesday.
Joe Gomez may not play against Sunderland
Liverpool play Sunderland in midweek in what is another big Premier League match at Anfield.
If the Reds can make it back-to-back wins, they will look in a much better place, and Arne Slot will have kept the wolves at bay in regards to his job.
Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez applaud Liverpool fans after the Premier League match at the London Stadium.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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On the back of a top display, Gomez would ordinarily expect to go again in the next match.
However, the defender has been taking injections to get fit and with another game to come at the weekend, it feels like he might need protecting.
After such a good performance, that is a real shame for both Gomez and Liverpool.
With Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley not expected to be ready in time, Slot is going to have to come up with another solution once again.
Catch up on the highlights as Liverpool beat West Ham 2-0
Gomez must play whenever he can
Although Gomez may not be able to play every match for Liverpool, Sunday was a reminder that is very much still a part of this squad.
Given the struggles of both Frimpong and Bradley, there is a strong argument that the No. 2 is actually Liverpool’s best right-back even when everyone is fit.
As a result, if Gomez is ready to play in any given match, then Slot must pick him.
In the biggest games when Liverpool need a bit more defensively, Gomez should be the choice anyway. But as he showed by picking up a handy assist at the London Stadium, he is also a threat going forward.
Wednesday will surely come too soon for Gomez – or if he does play, he’ll likely miss next weekend at Leeds. That will no doubt frustrate Slot, but it’s still a pleasant surprise to see Liverpool’s longest serving player back showing his worth once again.
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