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Liverpool 2-0 West Ham: Four things we learned – Undroppable Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at it again

By Russell Hughes

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Liverpool and Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on January 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Liverpool and Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on January 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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Liverpool Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 29: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Liverpool scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on January 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /

How can you leave him out?

This section was originally going to be about how good Firmino is, even though he didn’t score and is yet to break double figures in the league. He looks lean but don’t try and beat him for strength as Firmino showed up the full range of his physical abilities.

The Brazilian held up the ball brilliantly and that trait was instrumental in Liverpool winning the penalty. Early in the second half, Bobby could have got one of his own if it wasn’t for the fantastic reaction of Fabianski.

But as the game wore on it became apparent it would need to be about the Ox. The man has come out the end of his injury hell, has started a few games in a row thanks to Fabinho’s absence and now looks the real deal. How can Klopp drop him after that?

The German loves Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum but one of them may have to make way for Oxlade-Chamberlain, who can change games in a way neither of them can. It will be good to have the option of the more conservative three, when Fab gets back to full fitness, but the Ox’s rise means legs can be rested and different combinations used to break down sides.

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