West Ham v Liverpool match report: Reds masterclass flattens Hammers
![LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates after making the assist of his sides fourth goal scored by Mohamed Salah of Liverpool (not pictured) during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on November 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates after making the assist of his sides fourth goal scored by Mohamed Salah of Liverpool (not pictured) during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on November 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/dbaa0f4dcdaf66262fcabd6bb7488e1607a3966144f5fbb1f609a631ca1ba384.jpg)
Key players
Other key players this evening include James Milner, Emre Can and the surprise scorer, Joel Matip. Can featured in the starting XI and alongside Oxlade-Chamberlain, he seemed to ignite. The two played well together and posed some serious threats. A much better pairing than Jordan Henderson and the German.
Matip has faced a tough couple of months – his form and awareness becoming dry. Today though he really shone. He was right where he needed to be every time West Ham were on the attack and his goal was just the icing on the cake. Let’s hope this is the rebirth of our best centre-back.
Although Milner only played around fifteen minutes today, his made his presence on the pitch known straight away. Nothing much came of his attacking play but merely being there influenced the last quarter of the game.
2⃣ goals
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 4, 2017
1⃣ @carlsberg Man of the Match
Mo Salah 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ADKmEp83yz
Growing stronger
After an abysmal few games, Liverpool have emerged from the ashes bigger and better. Klopp has addressed the serious issues and the Reds look like a proper team again.
Dejan Lovren has been facing a lot of time on the bench since his catastrophe against Spurs, but the manager is drip feeding him back into the team. A strong defensive trio to guide the Croatian seems to be working so far.
The idea that Mané and Coutinho were carrying the team is also proving untrue. Today’s fixture showcased so many individuals’ talent – we have more starlets in the squad than we realise.
Next: Player ratings: West Ham v Liverpool - Spectacular Salah
Sources on Twitter have stated that Adam Lallana will be finally returning to the game. He has been named alongside Coutinho to be fit enough to face Southampton on 18 November. Incredible news.
Let’s take tonight’s win and the promise of a strong squad against the Saints into the international break with us. Keep the spirits high and wait for Liverpool’s next football masterclass.