A masterclass in the opening forty-five minutes propelled Liverpool to a commanding win against West Ham United this Saturday.
Any lingering anxiety regarding a potential slip-up against the struggling visitors was swiftly erased as Arne Slot’s men asserted their dominance early at Anfield.
Hugo Ekitike ignited the scoring in the fifth minute, followed by clinical strikes from Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister to effectively end the contest before the interval.
Although Tomas Soucek pulled one back for the Hammers and a second followed shortly after, goals from Cody Gakpo and a forced own-goal by the returning Jeremie Frimpong ensured a comfortable three points.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker – 6
The Brazilian shot-stopper endured a mixed afternoon, particularly with his distribution, which led to several nervy moments for the home crowd. However, he compensated for those lapses with a signature world-class save in the second half to maintain Liverpool’s cushion.
Joe Gomez – 6
Returning to the starting lineup amidst a flurry of transfer rumors, Gomez proved exactly why he remains a vital asset for Arne Slot. He showed no signs of competitive rust, providing a steady and versatile presence across the backline.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
Konate was a pillar of strength for much of the match, recording vital blocks and interceptions. While he will be disappointed with a poor clearance that gifted West Ham their first goal, his physical presence was crucial in stifling the visitors’ early momentum.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
The captain was once again a “cheat code” in the air, rising highest to thunk home a header from a corner. Beyond his goal-scoring exploits, he marshaled the defense with his usual composure, moving ever closer to records for goals scored by a Premier League defender.
Milos Kerkez – 6
Tasked with the difficult assignment of nullifying Jarrod Bowen, the young fullback stood his ground well. He was disciplined in his positioning and largely successful in keeping West Ham’s most dangerous outlet at bay.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
This was a significant improvement for the midfielder, who anchored the center of the pitch effectively. Despite a few wayward passes, his defensive screening and involvement in the transition from defense to attack were commendable.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
The Argentine looks to be hitting his peak at the perfect moment. His beautifully executed volley marked his second league goal of the campaign, and his creative influence in the final third was a constant thorn in the Hammers’ side.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Szoboszlai’s delivery from set-pieces was a recurring nightmare for the West Ham defense. His tireless engine in the middle of the park allowed Liverpool to maintain a high-intensity press and control the tempo of the game.
Mohamed Salah – 5
It was a rare quiet day at the office for the Egyptian King. While he wasn’t completely anonymous, he struggled to find his usual rhythm and was arguably the least influential of Liverpool’s starting forwards during this five-goal spree.
Cody Gakpo – 7
After missing an absolute sitter from close range, Gakpo’s persistence eventually paid off. He claimed his seventh career goal against West Ham via a deflected strike, proving once again that he is a reliable secondary scoring option for the Reds.
Hugo Ekitike – 8
The undisputed star of the show. Ekitike silenced doubters who questioned his efficacy without Florian Wirtz, scoring a clinical opener and providing two assists. His vision and hold-up play were the catalysts for Liverpool’s attacking fluidity.
Key Substitutions
Jeremie Frimpong – 8: A spectacular return from injury. His blistering pace immediately unhinged the defense, leading directly to Liverpool’s fifth goal and providing a massive boost for the upcoming fixtures.
Rio Ngumoha – 6: Managed a brief but energetic 15-minute cameo as Slot integrated the youngster into the first-team fold.
Trey Nyoni – 5: The teenager will be frustrated after missing a golden opportunity to add a sixth goal during his late appearance.