Player Ratings vs West Ham
In between visits of Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League schedule, Liverpool undertook their quarter final contest against east London outfit, West Ham. To advance to the semi final stage of the league cup would have been a major achievement for either side, after both teams were struggling to find top form in the league. This game was as much about gaining form as a result, as both were achieved with aplomb.
Below are the Liverpool ratings.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0
A welcome return for the Irishman, who would have been eagerly awaiting the call back into the domestic cup team. Had very little to do in the first half, other than recycle possession in the rare moments he saw the ball. Made a good reactive clearance midway through the second half, as once again, he had little to do. Could do little for the Bowen goal.
Kostas Tsimikas – 8.0
The Greek international maintained his place in the team, ad the only senior left back at his managers disposal. Gave good width and energy throughout a very good first half, as he worked up and down the line tirelessly. A brilliant piece of covering was needed early in the second period, as the reds faced an inevitable counter attack.
Subbed – 69 mins
Joe Gomez – 8.0
The England international is enjoying a very fine season, which makes any starting spot a positive for the team. Was perhaps a little excitable in the first half, as he roamed forward at will. His enthusiasm to attack and defend again pointed to the argument to have him as the first teams starting right back.
Jarell Quansah – 7.0
A return to midweek duties for the giant academy product. Was very composed throughout the opening 45-minutes, as he pushed high with his commanding defensive partner. The second half was more about concentration, which he lost when lost Bowen for the visitors goal.
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
The captain and leader of this team, he simply had to start this game. He marshalled and controlled his backline through a dominating period where his team really should have increased their lead. It was a relief to see him start, even more so to see him rested later on.
Subbed – 60 mins
Dominik Szoboszlai – 9.0
The Hungarian skipper started once more, with his manager keen to play him into form. That form arrived almost immediately, as the early hook against Manchester United clearly invigorated a tenacious display tonight. His constant running, probing, and relentless endeavour, brought the games opening goal, as he thundered a strike into the bottom corner.
Subbed – 60 mins
Wataru Endō – 8.0
The Japan captain is the only real option to play the holding midfield role, which is something that has many negatives as gains. His role in between Curtis amd Dom was to shield and protect, which he did with little fuss through a dominant opening half. His urgency desire to cover ground and win the ball back carried into the second half.
Subbed – 60 mins
Curtis Jones – 10.0
The English prodigy is now an established member of the the squad and would have been eager to start this game. The energy, pressing, and smart interplay with those around him, showed why he is so valuable to his manager, as he immersed himself into a great first half display. The second half saw the homegrown talent fire with attacking style, which saw the reds score the games second goal, as his direct run ended with a great finish through the keepers legs. The second goal was emphatic and hopefully shows the player he truly is.
Man of the Match
Darwin Núñez – 8.0
The Uruguayan forward is another who needed to play his way back into form, which coupled with so many others in a strong opening period. The power and speed of the 6ft 2inch forward created space for others, against a defence which was pulled apart from the opening bell. Started the second half strongly, as he tested the keeper from distance.
Subbed – 77 mins
Cody Gakpo – 8.0
The Dutchman was cast into the starting line up with an opportunity to attain a weekend place. A very smart and talented player, who blended perfectly with those around him in a fine initial exchange. His goal in the second half was delightful and deserved.
Subbed – 77 mins
Harvey Elliott – 9.0
The Egyptian King was always going to have to rest at some point, with this game designated as his moment to miss out on a start. His freedom and desire is infectious at times, especially when he is not having to worry himself with midfield responsibilities. The link up play with Dom and Curtis was delightful and he nearly scored a wonderful long range goal when goalless. Was a little less influential in midfield, yet the Wenger was still in abundance.
Subs;
Mohamed Salah – 8.0 (on 60)
Came on with the reds in the ascendancy. Should have scored off a rebounded Darwin strike. Made up for that miss with a wonderful goal.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0 (on 60)
Came on to take up the controlling stakes.
Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0 (on 60)
Very powerful and his run for the third goal was pure carnage.
Conor Bradley – 6.0 (on 77)
A good game to come into.
Luis Díaz – 6.0 (on 77)
Came in to add energy as the away team tried to fight back.
The Manager;
Jürgen Klopp – 9.0
The German manager went with a strong line up, with some notable rotation as expected. The former Dortmund manager would have been delighted with how his starting players performed, as the entire first half was a brilliant display of energy and creativity. With Dominik Szoboszlai excelling.
The second half was a wonderful display of intent as Curtis Jones played a tremendous role in driving his display. The goals and performances were of the highest order and the result was perfection. In terms of the intake changes, they too seemed to be ideal in the build up to Saturdays tantalizing game against Arsenal.
Anfield awaits.
https://x.com/anfieldindex/status/1737591618558160903?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
https://x.com/daveockop/status/1737589193788866631?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 3 – 2 West Ham
Steven Smith
