It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t vintage Jurgen Klopp Liverpool, but it got the job done. Sadio Mane’s first-half goal gave the Reds a 1-0 win over West Ham United at Anfield.
The Reds’ goal lived a charmed life, as Pablo Fornals and particularly Manuel Lanzini missed gilt-edged chances to score for the Hammers. However, Liverpool somehow survived to keep the pressure on Man City in the title race, with the Reds just three points behind their rivals now.
Here’s how each player fared at Anfield.
Alisson Becker – 7/10
Made an excellent save in the first half by making himself big and denying Vlasic the chance to head home after Trent Alexander-Arnold cleared a Fornals dink off the line. He also didn’t let himself be bullied by the constant West Ham pressure during corners, and was assertive in coming out and punching or catching.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10Â
16th assist of the season. Defensively impressive, and made two vital contributions by clearing a Fornals shot off the line, and then putting Lanzini off just as he was taking a shot.
Ibrahima Konate – 7/10Â
Initially struggled against the pace and strength of Antonio, but grew into the game and became more assertive in the second half.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
Mostly imperious, as Antonio hung on the Reds’ right side, to stay away from the big man. One misplaced header in the second half led to a chance for Bowen, which was the Dutchman’s only blip on the night.
Andy Robertson – 8/10
Outstanding in defence. Made a few excellent last-ditch interventions, especially in the second half. Could’ve been better with the quality of his deliveries into the box, though.
Fabinho – 6/10Â
Was beaten to more challenges than is normal for him, especially in the first half, and was caught napping by some swift West Ham passing in midfield.
Jordan Henderson – 7/10Â
Worked hard and provided enough support on the right channel against the powerhouse that is Antonio.
Naby Keita – 8/10Â
Good in possession, worked hard out of possession. Made a critical intervention against Antonio, that could have massive ramifications for the Reds, come May.
Mohamed Salah – 5/10Â
Shooting was off from the first minute when he missed a one-on-one. Then went on a shoot-on-sight spree to try and atone for that. He’s had better days than this.
Sadio Mane – 7/10Â
Crucial winner, that came about from being switched on to a miscued shot from Alexander-Arnold. Worked his socks off, but his touch deserted him a little too often.
Luis Diaz – 8/10Â
Anfield has another South American to love! Once again, Diaz’s directness and inventiveness shone through. Had a couple of decent chances to score in the second half.
SUBSTITUTESÂ
Diogo Jota – 5/10
Got booked, sent a shot into the back-end of the Kop.
James Milner – N/A
Brought on to see off the game in the dying stages.
Curtis Jones – N/AÂ
Came on in the last minute of injury time and ran the ball to the corner flag.
