Liverpool’s three stars: West Ham (A)
Liverpool’s fearsome attack were at their clinical best on Saturday evening as they put four past West Ham at the London Stadium.
The opener came at the end of a glorious counter-attack, with Mohamed Salah sliding the ball past Joe Hart after Sadio Mane’s blistering charge up-field.
Joel Matip was the unlikely scorer of the second moments later, gratefully dispatching after Joe Hart had parried the ball into his path.
Manuel Lanzini pulled one back for the reinvigorated hosts on 55 minutes, only for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to deliver a hammer blow by netting the third 57 seconds later.
West Ham continued their efforts to mount a fightback, but in doing so left themselves exposed, and Liverpool pounced.
Mane was the provider once again for the fourth goal, dinking the ball into Salah, who superbly fired home from the edge of the box.
In truth, it could have been more as the Reds poured forward in the closing stages, with Roberto Firmino and substitutes James Milner and Dominic Solanke going close.
All in all, it was a ruthless display from a side who have been previously been found lacking when it comes to that crucial killer instinct.
Who, though, were the standout performers for Jurgen Klopp’s team? Let’s take a look at the trio who impressed the most:
MOHAMED SALAH
An obvious inclusion, but boy is it a deserved one. With every game that passes, Mohamed Salah strengthens his case for Premier League signing of the summer.
This was one of his finest displays yet. The first goal was coolly-taken, and the second was magnificent, particularly when you consider that Salah at times has faced criticism for his allegedly poor finishing.
And if the Egyptian can add a certain ruthlessness in front of goal to his game, he will soon be dubbed ‘world class’. A masterstroke from Jurgen Klopp.
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first Premier League goal for the Reds was the highlight of yet another encouraging performance.
The Englishman, brimming with energy and stamina, looks a really good fit for this team and seems to breathe life into what has at times been a flat-footed midfield.
A torrent of criticism has in fact motivated the 24-year-old as he battles to dispel his many doubters. If he can build on an eye-catching display against the Hammers, he will soon give Jurgen Klopp a welcome selection headache.
ALBERTO MORENO
Liverpool’s defence looked shaky amid the period of West Ham dominance, but left-back Alberto Moreno was as sturdy as he has been all season.
Moreno may not have caught the eye on Saturday evening, but that’s precisely why he deserves recognition. The once-erratic full-back has mounted a remarkable resurgence, emerging as a model of consistency and stability.
The Spaniard made a number of important tackles and formed an effective partnership with Mane on the left flank, no doubt impressing Jurgen Klopp once again.
It’s not difficult to see why Andrew Robertson isn’t getting a look in.