---
title: "Four Findings: Liverpool 2-0 West Ham"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/match-reviews/four-findings-liverpool-2-0-west-ham/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Fred Haas"
section: "Liverpool Match Reports"
published: "2015-02-01T10:19:50Z"
modified: "2015-02-01T10:19:50Z"
---

# Four Findings: Liverpool 2-0 West Ham

Liverpool recovered from the disappointment of their semi-final Capital One Cup loss to Chelsea with a solid league performance against West Ham (2-0) at Anfield. Despite a slow start and showing some fatigue from the midweek affair, the Reds dispatched the Hammers while continuing their in-form run. Having surrendered two goals in the opening seven minutes in September when visiting the London club in September, the Merseysiders redeemed arguably their worst performance this season, even securing another clean sheet.

Here are four findings from yesterday’s match.

**Coutinho continues** – If ever there was a player most responsible for the turn in Liverpool’s form, it has to be Phillipe Coutinho. The Brazilian midfield magician again showed that the Reds attack begins with him. His cleverness is now routinely unrivaled as he takes on, as well as turns opponents with dizzying displays of technical deftness. Beyond his two remarkable assists, his combination play with Raheem Sterling sparkled with brilliance on the day. Then there was that nutmeg flick that found  Alberto Moreno streaking down the flank in the second half, the kind of touch that Coutinho makes seem almost common of late.

**Consistency a difference** – Apart from Adam Lallana replacing an injured Steven Gerrard, the starting side remained the same as the one that thrilled against Chelsea. After half a season where it seemed Brendan Rodgers did not know what his best eleven was, he seems to have found it and the consistency has made a massive difference in the club’s run of form. The side displays greater certainty and unity than at any point this season. In fact, it was a definitive factor in this match, where the team needed to play their way through a sloppy first half.

**Defence growing stronger** –  Since switching to a back three of Emre Can, Martin Skrtel, and Momadou Sakho, Liverpool’s defence has not only stopped surrendering as many chances but Simon Mignolet has recovered from his early season woes. Not only was this the Reds’ third straight Premier League win, it was the third straight clean sheet in the league. Add the shield that Lucas Leiva provides and Liverpool’s defense has grown increasingly reliable, giving the entire side greater balance in the process.

**Sturridge shines** – Daniel Sturridge sitting on the bench was a long awaited and welcome sign to the Anfield faithful and supporters beyond. However, his taking the field in the second half for the first time since August was a cause for rejoice. Once he began leading the line and making his signature gliding runs, it seemed written in the stars that he would score on his return. And score he did, putting an end to the match with a classy, near post finish from a pinpoint Coutinho pass. Better still, the team’s rise in form has even taken a little bit of pressure off him to be Liverpool’s savior. Yet the kind of clinical finishing he showed in a flash is something the side has desperately been missing.