Liverpool 2-1 West Ham. A comfortable first half of Football was followed by anything but. The second period brought a West Ham resurgence and ‘surprising’ refereeing as Arne Slot questions key decisions made late in the game.
A Game of Two Halves
Liverpool started the game like they had something to prove after their 2-3 defeat away at Fulham.
Mo Salah looked his vibrant self as his deft touches and feints left West Ham Defenders searching for answers.
His powerful turn and run down the wing to assist Luis Diaz capped off a dominant start from Liverpool.
Everything looked set for a comfortable afternoon at Anfield.
Blatant Handball
We’ve seen them given for far less.
With Liverpool 1-0 up a corner was delivered into the West Ham penalty area.
With an outstretched arm, James Ward-Prowse redirects the ball as it gets cleared from the box.
Accidental yes. Was his arm in a natural position, absolutely not.
Hesitant and lacking ideas
The Second Half brought with it West Ham pressure as they grew into the game.
Long balls over the top of the Liverpool line found runners in Bowen and Kudus with an alarming frequency.
Allisson’s strong presence in 1-on-1 situations led to two fine saves as Liverpool began to change their approach.
West Ham’s equalizer changed everything
After making defensive substitutions, the Reds now desperately themselves needing another to prevent further criticism and added pressure from the press.
Arsenal had drawn 1-1 at home to Brentford and Liverpool had to capitalise.
Three minutes after Andy Robertson’s unfortunate own-goal, Virgil Van Dijk stepped up to head home a goal at the Kop End. Kissing the badge and saluting the fans in his celebration.
Had Liverpool not gone on to win the game with a late Virgil Van Dijk header, Liverpool Fans would’ve been fuming with some of the refereeing decisions.
The Manager certainly had his say.
Arne Slot Questions Added Time in Post-Match Press Conference
Arne Slot is earning a reputation of not being afraid to question refereeing decisions.
In his Post-Match Press Conference he states:
Liverpool held on to all three points. However, the point stands.
Arne Slot needs 6 points to cement his First Season as one of the best
This weekends results leave Liverpool needing just 2 wins from the next 6 in order to mathematically rule out Arsenal’s chances.
Importantly, the Gunners have taken their focus off of an improbable League comeback and are now fully focused on their Champions League campaign.
It is now only a matter of time for Liverpool and Arne Slot.
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