Liverpool 5 – 2 West Ham PL Player Ratings
The Premier League continuation of fixtures saw the reigning Champions host a crestfallen West Ham side, sliding deep into trouble and perhaps into the Championship.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The giant Brazilian stopper was largely untested and carried out his duties with confidence.
After the restart, the Reds’ world-class keeper was let down by his back line as the guests grabbed a goal early on in the second half. The second goal was again something he could do little to avert.
Joe Gomez – 7.0
The England international was solid and assertive through a decent first half.
In the second half the former Charlton man was solid and able to add steel in defence with the Hammers looking to get back into the game.
Subbed – 76 mins
Milos Kerkez – 7.0
The Hungarian international was lively and full of running as he looked to exploit space on the flank.
After the break, the explosive full-back was well disciplined and able to offer decent defensive coverage.
Ibrahima Konate – 7.0
The French international was able to ensure his side maintained a first-half shutout and marshalled the rearguard with composed excellence.
In the second half, the former RB Leipzig man was poor for the West Ham goal as his weak headed enabled the chance.
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
The captain and leader of this team were strong and efficient in equal measures. The headed goal was reflective of how he is improving his lethal precision from set pieces.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was unable to stop the goals conceded as complacency crept into his teammates’ play. The skipper maintained his very good levels to push the Reds over the line.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0
The Argentine international was able to score a spectacular goal inside the eighteen-yard box as he gave his team a three-goal advantage.
After the break, the former Brighton star was able to dictate steadily and offer good coverage in front of the back line.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0
The Hungarian international was able to offer confident energy as the pressing link between midfield and attack. A fine assist for Virgil’s goal cemented a fine half of football.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was always available and always willing to run for his team.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0
The Dutch midfielder was able to assist the opening goal with good vision to spot the scorer. Good progression and movement with the ball.
After the half-time break, the former Ajax man was a little less effective as he failed to stamp his authority on the middle ground.
Subbed – 86 mins
Hugo Ekitike – 8.0
The French attacker was lethal early on breaking the deadlock with a well-struck goal. The assist for the third goal was clever and perfectly weighted.
In the second half, the elite potential striker was patient and worked hard to create avenues, as he got another assist for Gakpo’s goal.
Subbed – 76 mins
Man of the Match
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
The record-breaking attacker was a little peripheral in the opening 45 minutes, though his corner from the right hand sided enabled Mac Allister to score the Reds’ third goal.
After the break, the former Chelsea forward was busy and productive on the ball as he looked to facilitate movement around him.
Cody Gakpo – 7.0
The Dutch attacker was also a little on the outside of the game as much of the good work was undertaken from set pieces
After the intermission, the former PSV attacker was unlucky not to score at the stat ofbthe half and corrected that with a goal created by his trademark cut inside. Assisted Frimpong for the Reds’ 5th goal.
Substitutions;
Jeremie Frimpong – 7.0 (on 76)
Came on to fire the 5th goal.
Rio Ngumoha – 7.0 (on 76)
Came on to add pace and unpredictable play.
Trey Nyoni – 7.0 (on 86)
Came on to gain valuable experience.
The Manager;
Arne Slot – 8.0
Was keen to get a defensively strong team onto the pitch with Florian Wirtz out injured. Joe Gomez came in to add power at right back as the manager would have been alert to inevitable transitions
The substitutions were well timed as the Reds looked to save energy for a busy midweek ahead.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 2 – 0 West Ham
