Liverpool move 19 points clear at the top of the Premier League after a comfortable 2-0 win in their game in hand away to West Ham. Despite some stubborn defending for the first half-an-hour from the Hammers, it ended up being a very simple task for the Reds to take all 3 points.
In goal, Alisson had to make a couple of smart saves. Firstly, from Robert Snodgrass after Gini Wijnaldum had given the ball away in our defensive third. Secondly, to stop Declan Rice’s dangerous long-range header. Another excellent performance from the Brazilian.
In defence, the usual back four lined up together. Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t have his best game. Going forward he found it difficult to get involved and defensively he made a few poor decisions. Andy Robertson had a couple of nice runs forward and went close to finding the net, while he also deserved an assist after his tantalising cross was missed by both Origi and Salah. In the centre, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk were both imperious once again. What a partnership these two are – the best centre back duo in Europe.
The midfield contained the three men that we have come to expect to see in the Premier League over the last few weeks; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum. After a slightly disappointing performance against Wolves, The Ox put in a brilliant showing in this one. He got himself a goal after a brilliant counter attack, was involved in a lot going forward and also did well defensively. His best game since his most recent return from injury. Both Gini and Henderson had solid games as well.
Divock Origi replaced the injured Sadio Mane in the front 3, while Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino kept their place from the most recent league match. Origi was pretty horrific against Shrewsbury on the weekend but played better tonight. He went close to scoring, forcing a good stop from Fabianksi and also won the penalty which gave us the chance to break the deadlock. Sadly, he looked to go off with an injury during the second half. Roberto Firmino was on top form. His touch was sublime all evening and he was very unlucky to not score yet another away goal after his shot was brilliantly kept out by Fabianski. Mo Salah was the star of the attack, though, scoring once from the spot and also creating Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal with a stunning outside-of-the-boot pass into the Englishman’s path.
As for Man of the Match, it has to go to Mo Salah. A goal and an assist to cap a very impressive overall individual performance is more than enough to win.
