A stellar first-half performance put Liverpool on their way to a decisive win over West Ham.
Concerns about another stumble against a relegation-scrapping side were put to bed early on Saturday.
Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring for Liverpool in the fifth minute, with goals from Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister settling the contest before the break.
West Ham got back into it early in the second half with a goal from Tomas Soucek. Liverpool responded courtesy of Cody Gakpo, the visitors found a second just five minutes later, and then Jeremie Frimpong marked his return by forcing an own-goal.
Did anyone actually deserve man of the match against West Ham? 😆
If so, who was it?
Alexis Mac Allister during Liverpool v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
It would have been nice to stretch out a more convincing lead, but a stressful 90 minutes has ended with three points. 5-2.
Liverpool player ratings vs West Ham
Alisson Becker – 6
Alisson’s distribution issues were on display again with a couple of heart-in-mouth moments. As is typical of the Brazilian, he redeemed himself with a world-class stop in the second half.
Joe Gomez – 6
Gomez returned to the Liverpool XI against West Ham and showed no signs of rust. He has been the topic of transfer speculation this week, but showed again why he is such a valuable utility player for Arne Slot.
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Ibrahima Konate – 6
While he could have done better clearing the ball in the buildup to West Ham’s goal after half time, Konate’s overall performance was solid. He put in a handful of goal-saving blocks and interceptions to keep the game from becoming too much of a contest, but got less secure as the game wore on.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Van Dijk trails only John Terry in Premier League goals, popping up with another from a corner against the Hammers. He is simply inevitable in such a scenario.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Hugo Ekitike during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Milos Kerkez – 6
A tough matchup for Kerkez against Jarrod Bowen, but he did well to contain him.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
It was a much better showing from the Dutchman, getting involved in the attack and — aside from a couple of errant passes — providing reliable protection for the back four.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
A very well taken volley gave Mac Allister a second Premier League goal of the season after opening his account in the final seconds against Forest. He’s hitting form at the right moment and could now be huge for the Reds in the run-in.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Szoboszlai’s dead-ball prowess isn’t restricted to free-kicks. His corner deliveries caused constant problems for the visitors and his energy in the midfield kept Liverpool on top.
Liverpool have a last minute penalty to win this year’s Champions League final… who’s your taker?
This is a tough one!
Mohamed Salah stands with his hands on his hips during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Qarabag at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield).
Dominik Szoboszlai raises an arm to the Anfield crowd in celebration as he holds the matchball during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield/Liverpool FC
Mohamed Salah – 5
No major contributions from Salah, who was kept largely quiet over 90 minutes. Not as much of a non-factor as in some recent performances, but the least impactful starter on the day.
Cody Gakpo – 7
Gakpo should have had himself a goal when the ball fell to him at point-blank range early in the second half. He did get some good fortune with a deflection to give Liverpool their fourth of the afternoon. That’s his seventh goal against West Ham. A dark horse for Player of the Match, and he needed that.
Hugo Ekitike – 8
A well-taken finish to set Liverpool on their way, and didn’t struggle without Florian Wirtz, as has been the case in past instances. His playmaking ability was on full display as he teed up two of Liverpool’s goals as well. Top performance.
Hugo Ekitike celebrates Liverpool goal vs West Ham
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Substitutions
Rio Ngumoha – 6
Slot didn’t start Ngumoha despite widespread pleas, but he got a run for the last 15 minutes.
Jeremie Frimpong – 8
Great to see Frimpong back in a Liverpool shirt. It took him no time at all to mark his return, making our fifth goal from nothing. His pace is an absolute joke, and it’s real boost to have him available for this intense upcoming stretch.
Trey Nyoni – 5
A rare league outing for Nyoni. He should have scored a sixth for Liverpool, and will be so disappointed to squander such an opportunity.
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