Football News: Liverpool v West Ham United - A Liverpool Perspective

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Liverpool v West Ham United A Liverpool Perspective

That was the kind of performance that makes other teams fear facing you. It left me feeling sorry for the Hammers by the end, they were like lambs to the slaughter. Liverpool's midfield controlled the game from start to finish, absolutely dominating a West Ham midfield that lacked any kind of pace or movement at all. Mauricio Pellegrini will need to learn from this, his team selection was poor, with no one in the team able to get close enough to Liverpool to cause them any problems.

Even trying to keep a calm head and pick holes in Liverpool is difficult, there was little to criticise, certainly nothing of consequence. It was just a good team performance that utterly overwhelmed a team just beginning to get themselves together under a new manager. It was exactly what was needed, taking full advantage of an opponent that are just beginning a rebuild.

There really is little to say other than well done to every one involved and to hope they can continue in the same vein for the rest of the season. If they can, then they will push for the title and no one will want to face them this season. All this and Fabinho and Lovren have still to come back into the team!

Klopp - a new season without Buvac alongside him but that did not seem to be an issue. If anything, the team looked better than ever, though that could be down to the improvement in playing staff. Having said that, Milner has improved beyond all recognition from the player he was when Klopp arrived, so his coaching is helping matters. His substitutions were much more effective as well, maintaining control and keeping the initiative, when those kind of games last season saw him often give the initiative away and go all defensive.

Alisson - showed his distribution, even if he had next to nothing to do as a goalkeeper. Impossible to judge him on that performance.

Alexander-Arnold - struggled with his delivery on the run once again. He still seems to get over-excited when he gets in a good area to deliver a cross to players in the box, when on the run. Trent just needs to slow down, take a deep breath and play the cross in more carefully. Other than that, and a very harsh booking, he was very good.

Gomez - did his job when called upon, though he did look a little nervous early on, he grew into the game. Was never particularly taxed by the Hammers but did what he had to do.

van Dijk - showed strength and good recovery pace when called upon, but had little to do other than play the ball out from the back.

Robertson - showed a few lessons were learnt from last season. He still got forward and supported the attacks well, but he was not overcommitting, like he did at times last time around. It was an excellent performance from him, one of his best, if least overtly impressive, performances in a Liverpool shirt.

Wijnaldum - desperately needs to improve his composure in front of goal. Other than that he was really good. He hit his shots like he usually does when away from home though!

Keita - that was an incredible debut, one of the best I have ever seen. He was at the heart of the performance. I have seen him play better for RB Leipzig in the past, but this was a debut to remember.

Milner - arguably man of the match. He was brilliant. Without doubt the best I have seen him play.

Salah - once again he was really good, his movement caused Hammers nightmares all game. Scored one and caused havoc.

Mane - two goals and always a danger, he was Milner's main competition for the man of the match award. On the ball he was tying Fredericks up in knots and his movement created so much space it was unreal when you consider how West Ham were trying to play and remain compact.

Firmino - all it needed was a goal to complete the performance. Once again he was everywhere, chasing back, breaking up play, creating space for others etc. The more you see him, the more insane the decision of Tite to go with Neymar's mate as the forward for Brazil in the summer seems.

Subs:

Henderson - replaced Firmino in the 59th minute. In the little he had to do defensively, he did well, showing good strength to hold off a West Ham runner and break up their attempt to attack. Fitted in well to the midfield, kept things ticking over as they were before he came on.

Shaqiri - replaced Mane in the 82nd minute. Never really got much of a chance to show what he can do, but certainly looked to slot in well as part of a very mobile and well organised front three.

Sturridge - arrived with a bang in the 87th minute in place of Salah with a first touch every striker dreams of. While he never got a chance to do anything else, adding the 4th with your first touch is enough to suggest it was a great sub.

Written by Tris Burke August 13 2018 12:09:44