Joe Gomez return to the Liverpool starting line-up was timely and it was his performance at both ends of the field that proved key to a vital victory
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Andrew Robertson and Joe Gomez of Liverpool applauds the fans following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on November 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez applaud the travelling fans following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on November 30, 2025
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With the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer, Liverpool’s right-back position was always going to provide more of a headache for Arne Slot this campaign. But not many would’ve foreseen the rotation that would follow.
The arrival of Jeremie Frimpong and the rise of Conor Bradley in recent seasons led most to believe the pair would exclusively contest the position, but their form and fitness has meant both have struggled to nail down the spot.
Joe Gomez became the latest beneficiary of Slot’s rotation against West Ham on Sunday, becoming the sixth player to start at right-back for Liverpool this season.
Head coach Slot admitted before the game that his decision to start the England international was a tactical move to try and sure up his side’s struggling defence.
And it was a decision that paid off. For the expected goals believers out there, the 0.36xG that the Reds conceded at the London Stadium was the lowest they have conceded since visiting Turf Moor to face Burnley in mid-September.
But it wasn’t just Gomez’s defensive stability that helped Liverpool to an important three points.
A fantastic assist to set up Cody Gakpo late on was only the second assist from a Reds right-back this season; a figure that needs to increase to help fill the void left by Alexander-Arnold.
Gomez also played a significant role in Alexander Isak's opener, with the goal coming from the second phase of his cleared long-throw.
Liverpool have been one of the few teams to not take advantage of the surge in long throw-ins this season, partially due to not having an effective taker, but Gomez’s inclusion in the team gives them another avenue to goals.
Six different players have operated at right-back for Liverpool so far this season
Six different players have operated at right-back for Liverpool so far this season
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So, will Slot stick with this winning formula?
It may be the fitness of Gomez that decides that. Slot has openly admitted ahead of Wednesday's game against Sunderland that the defender is unable to play three 90 minutes in a week.
You have to go back to December 2024 for the last time Gomez started back-to-back Premier League matches, but the fitness of Liverpool’s other right-back options may mean Slot has to manage his minutes at the weekend as opposed to against Sunderland.
Slot confirmed Bradley won’t return until the Leeds United game while he hopes Frimpong will be back in training next week.
For now, Gomez should keep the position. His calm and assured performance against West Ham in a time of turmoil showed a level of maturity that the Reds have often lacked this season.
While long-term fitness doubts remain, Slot will be delighted to have a right-back of a different profile that he can turn to when needed.