West Ham 0-2 Liverpool
The Liverpool boss has dropped hints that some of his players who featured against West Ham might not be able to start three days later.
Survey the fan base and many would concur.
Arne Slot deviated somewhat against his principles in the capital. After conceding 10 goals in their previous three games, pragmatism is what the Liverpool head coach opted for. Joe Gomez, deployed at right-back, admitted that the game-plan was to build from a solid base.
As Liverpool turn their attention to facing Sunderland on Wednesday, it would seem unfathomable to some that Slot will ponder changes to his XI. In an ideal scenario, the Reds head coach would probably want to keep the same team. But in the middle of a fixture list of seven games in 22 days, he knows that will be almost impossible.
Given the fact that three of his players were withdrawn against West Ham for a fitness-related issue, Slot might have to. Milos Kerkez, who arguably enjoyed his best performance since a £40 million transfer from Bournemouth was substituted in the 85th minute. Kerkez was playing his third match in eight games after featuring in the defeats by Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven. The Hungary international had cramp so he should still be able to be involved against Sunderland. Yet it might be somewhat of a risk for Kerkez to start so Andy Robertson could return.
Isak will likely want to continue spearheading the attack and will be eyeing a goalscoring streak. His finish against West Ham was excellent. Isak displayed composure and it was an effortless first-time finish - the sort of goal why Liverpool splashed out such a lavish figure.
Isak might have been somewhat irked that he was withdrawn eight minutes later. He’d have been eyeing a double. But Slot insisted that the plan was always for Isak to be withdrawn around the 65-minute mark. The striker’s fitness problems have been well-documented since his arrival from Newcastle United. A disrupted pre-season meant that he arrived well short of sharpness and a spell on the sidelines because of a groin injury placed him back further. With Hugo Ekitike able to lead the front line, it seems needless that Isak should feature from the beginning.
Slot also admitted that it was somewhat of risk playing Wirtz against West Ham. The Germany international was magnificent throughout the encounter. He might still be awaiting a first goal contribution in the Premier League and rival fans will continue to chide and snipe. But those who watched Wirtz’s display know the quality he offered and the role he played in Isak’s opener. After missing Liverpool’s previous two games, Slot may ponder resting Wirtz, which may prompt Salah’s recall.
And there may also be a quandary over Gomez. Amid Liverpool’s right-back crisis, with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong injured, Gomez provided defensive solidity and balance. He also contributed on the attack, crossing for Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time goal.
However, Gomez has also been troubled by a knee issue and recently had to have an injection. Slot has already warned that the lack of regular football Liverpool’s longest-serving player has had in 2025 means he will also have to be monitored. Curtis Jones might be in line to operate in defence again if Gomez is not risked.
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