Liverpool moved level on points with the top four after a commanding 5-2 victory over West Ham United at Anfield.
Despite a brief second-half lapse that saw Tomas Soucek claw back a consolation goal, Arne Slot’s side remained in total control. A dominant first-half display, powered by elite set-piece delivery from Dominik Szoboszlai, laid the foundation for a result that puts immense pressure on Manchester United ahead of their fixture tomorrow.
While the Reds briefly took their foot off the gas, a clinical finish to the match ensured a deserved win and a significant boost to their goal difference.
Cody Gakpo made sure that all three points would fall into Liverpool’s lap, after he put a dire second-half miss firmly behind him when bagging the game-clinching effort with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Axel Disasi made Liverpool’s win even sweeter when he would put an effort past his own goalkeeper late on, as West Ham’s relegation woes felt even heavier at full-time, while Liverpool’s Champions League aspirations remain on.
Here are ReadLiverpool’s second-half ratings:
Alisson – 5
Alisson must have been annoyed to fish the ball out of his net twice in a chaotic second half, after Soucek bundled home an early second-half effort and Hammers new-boy Valentín Castellanos handed the away side a further lifeline.
Unfortunately, his three-game run of clean sheets came crashing down.
Joe Gomez – 5
Gomez didn’t put in the most convincing overall display as Arne Slot’s stand-in right back for the day, either, as the number two – who was making his first start for the Reds since mid-January – only won three of his ten duels.
Thankfully, Gomez’s fralities didn’t cost the hosts, as a big win was still collected.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Konate had a bit more to do in the second half, after having very little to be worried about during the one-sided first half.
He stood firm for the majority of the challenging second 45 minutes, with four tackles and duels won overall.
Virgil Van Dijk – 7
Van Dijk had another great afternoon, as he continues to stand out as a crucial cog in the Liverpool machine, at the grand age of 34, when connecting with Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner kick after 24 minutes of action.
Winning two aerial duels and completing 90% of his passes, as well, Slot’s trusty captain is ageing like a fine wine.
Milos Kerkez – 6
Kerkez wasn’t involved in the attacks as much as he would have liked to be, as Liverpool ran rampant at points against the relegation-threatened visitors.
Still, with five tackles and duels won, the Hungarian wasn’t as shaky as Gomez on the opposing flank.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
Gravenberch was both a creative force, but also a battling machine, for Slot’s men throughout.
Indeed, the well-rounded Dutchman would amass three key passes, and win six tackles and duels, to further cement his solid position in his manager’s starting XI.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Much like his standout teammate, Mac Allister would cut a classy figure throughout, to keep up his revitalised form in the first team ranks.
He would score a delightful first-half effort, but the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion enforcer would also end the frantic showdown with possession lost just four times, as he offered a sense of calm to the frenetic proceedings.
Mohamed Salah – 6
It wasn’t through a lack of trying on Salah’s part, but another Premier League contest has passed him by without a goal.
Still, he was lively in bursts, as two efforts nearly beat a very busy Mads Hermansen.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
After assisting Van Dijk’s towering header in the first half, many fans packed inside Anfield would have expected more from the assist king in the second half.
However, it was somewhat of a subdued performance from the versatile star, who was drafted into the number ten spot for the afternoon, as three key passes overall wouldn’t be enough to hand him another goal contribution.
Cody Gakpo – 7
Gakpo would have been the most relieved man inside Anfield when he scored in the second half, after missing a glorious opportunity.
Amazingly, that was Gakpo’s first effort for Liverpool since the start of January against Fulham, as he now hopes to kick on down the Reds’ left channel.
Hugo Ekitike – 9
Ekitike was undoubtedly Liverpool’s man of the match come the full-time whistle, as the French marksman collected one goal and two assists for his troubles.
He would come off on the 76th minute to give Rio Nguhoma a run-out, as his adoring home masses gave him a wonderful reception when exiting the main event.
Subs:
Rio Nguhoma – 6
Many Liverpool fans would have been clamouring for Nguhoma to start, after his electric substitute cameo against Nottingham Forest, but Salah was preferred by Slot.
The 17-year-old didn’t need to change the contest this time around, but he offered some flashes of brilliance, as one effort and one key pass were mustered up, from just three touches of the ball.
Jeremie Frimpong – 7
Frimpong was also handed a cameo towards the close of the game, as he tries to reenter into his manager’s starting XI, after injury troubles.
He could stand a chance at starting in Liverpool’s next match, with Gomez looking poor.
Moreover, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen full-back managed to 100% of his ground duels and he had a hand in the fifth strike, as his cross was deflected home by a cursed Disasi.
Trey Nyoni – N/A
Nyoni was only handed a late four-minute run-out, which will have been beneficial to the 18-year-old starlet nonetheless, as he aims to break into the first team picture more consistently.
