Liverpool ended a month-long win drought by defeating West Ham United, thanks to Alexander Isak’s inaugural Premier League goal and a late clincher from Cody Gakpo, despite Lucas Paqueta’s contentious red card.
According to a report from Liverpool.com, Arne Slot’s Liverpool side earned a crucial 2-0 victory over West Ham, a result secured when the Swedish striker Alexander Isak broke the deadlock, followed by Cody Gakpo sealing the points in stoppage time.
The match was described as having a “solid, and not spectacular” structure, with the team finding their first win since November 4.
The win came despite a moment of controversy when West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta was shown two yellow cards for dissent by referee Darren England.
Alisson Becker (6):
The goalkeeper was not “hugely involved” in the match beyond taking an early knock from Joe Gomez when the ball was in the air, with little for him to deal with.
Defensive Lineup (Gomez 7, Konate 6, Van Dijk 7, Kerkez 7):
Right-back Joe Gomez was handed a rare start and “looked really composed,” with fitness, not ability, being the long-term factor holding him back.
Centre-back Virgil van Dijk was “much calmer” than midweek, doing his defending “with little fuss.” Partner Ibrahima Konate made decisive challenges but was “very limited” when in possession.
At left-back, Milos Kerkez was selected ahead of Andy Robertson and was “pretty solid,” though “unable to offer a great deal going forward.”
Midfield Trio (Gravenberch 6, Mac Allister 6, Szoboszlai 6): Ryan Gravenberch was “fine” but not near his peak, sometimes “dribbling into danger without much of a plan.”
Alexis Mac Allister was an improvement on his midweek performance, winning the midfield battle despite sometimes losing the ball “a bit easily.”
Dominik Szoboszlai started on the right but drifted inside, yet “wasn’t always that involved” as he and Wirtz “both favor the same role.”
Attackers (Wirtz 7, Gakpo 8, Isak 7):
Playmaker Florian Wirtz returned from injury looking “sharp,” finding space and playing “lovely balls” with a “silky” touch, though he was better in the first half.
Cody Gakpo provided an assist for the first goal and “scored the second to seal the points late,” despite his first touch sometimes letting him down.
Alexander Isak scored the opener “just before the hour mark,” proving decisive, although he “still looks a long way off his best in terms of fitness.