Liverpool 5-1 West Ham: EFL Cup 3rd Round Player Ratings and Analysis
The Premier League took a step back on this Wednesday night under the Anfield lights, with the EFL Cup 3rd round action being played out between two illustrious English clubs.
The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0
The Irish deputy stopper was less than well protected for the opening goal, as indecision in his defensive group led to an own goal. the warning signs had been apparent, especially with a goal which was disallowed for off side. The 25-year-old was firm to deny solid opportunities for his opponents to equalise in the second half.
Conor Bradley – 7.0
The Irish prodigy was inconsistent in his overall play through the first half, as he looked to be that energetic outlet when he should have been more focused on his defensive output. Good moments of last-ditch defending were needed after the break, which the youngster stood up to with confidence.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0
The Greek international was a bundle of energy in the first half as he attempted to make impression on his Head Coach. The energy and desire were clear as the tie restarted, whilst his more offensive teammates strive forward. Was a little hesitant at times, with the counter attacks often targeting his flank.
Subbed – 82 mins
Jarell Quansah – 7.0
The England under-21 international defender was unlucky for the own goal, after being steady and reliable in the opening period of play. His composure realigned after his team equalised, as he won headers and commanded within a game which opened on occasions.
Joe Gomez – 7.0
The captain for the evening was vocal and authoritative from the outset, with a surrounding cast of younger or less seasoned teammates. His leadership was needed at times, especially when scrappy play surrounded his team’s goal.
Curtis Jones – 7.0
The homegrown midfielder was a good conduit for possession, especially after falling behind. The sporadic team performances levelled out even more so with the equalizer, as the reds started to take control of the tie. The second half showed his great interplay and ability to drive forward as he assisted Diogo Jota for the second goal.
https://twitter.com/lfctransferroom/status/1839032891071934526?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
Wataru Endō – 7.0
The Japan captain was perhaps guilty of failing to clear the ball and creating the opening own goal. His steady nature started to build through the first half, as familiarity started to blossom. After the restart, the 31-year-old was eager to win the ball back and really picked up his game with a progressively improved performance.
Subbed – 82 mins
Cody Gakpo – 8.0
The Dutch wide man was lively and proactive on the ball through the first 45-minutes, without finding that key moment to shine. His involvement in cutting inside created the opening for the reds second goal, as he used his acceleration to find Curtis Jones before the assist. The man in midweek form rounded off a strong showing with two well taken goals late in the game.
Man of the match
Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo playing at absolutely insane levels.
I do not envy Arne having to choose between them.
— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) September 25, 2024
Diogo Jota – 8.0
The Portuguese poacher was positioned in and around Darwin, as the player that could work the area between midfield and attack. His equaliser was pure stereotype and instinctive within the six-yard box. It took just a couple of minutes of the second period for the clinical striker to double his tally, with a precise shot into the bottom corner.
Subbed – 58 mins
Darwin Núñez – 7.0
The Uruguayan Raging Bull was quiet in the first half; however, his pace and power was apparent in the build-up for the equaliser. His strength and direct nature were always a factor when his side needed an outlet. After the game resumed, the former Benfica man was eager to make something happen and ran the channels frequently. Was again a little wasteful in front of goal, however, there is no doubting his contribution to the team performance.
Federico Chiesa – 7.0
The Italian superstar was productive in his worst rate and a solid first half of running and intrigue was rewarded by an assist for the equalizer. As the game resumed, the former Juve attacker was lively before leaving the field of play.
Subbed – 58 mins
Substitutions:
Mohamed Salah – 7.0 (on 58)
Came on to add more of a clinical edge and scored a well taken goal late on.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0 (on 58)
Came on to add control to the middle ground.
Tyler Morton – N/A (on 82)
Came on.
Andy Robertson – N/A (on 82)
Came on.
The Manager:
Arne Slot – 7.0
The Dutch manager was always going to ring the changes for this midweek tie and did so with a plethora of attacking talent on display.
The second half substitutions were a sign of wanting both control and a record-breaking scorer on the pitch to end the contest.
The match ended comprehensively and the reds entered the next round with ease.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:
Liverpool 3 – 1 West Ham
