Liverpool survive scare as Hammers unintimidated by Reds or Anfield
David Moyes had his Hammers came loaded for bear when they arrived for their tie with Liverpool on Monday evening at Anfield.
Liverpool played 90 plus minutes in Madrid midweek past without a shot on goal. And here again they produced only two shots on goal for the first 60 minutes of the match, these coming from set piece or corners.
No shots on goal from the run of play in over a match and a half. This is undoubtedly the longest stretch without a shot on goal from the run of play this season.
The goal in the first half coming after a corner, 10 minutes in; on a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold into the center of the 18 yard box found Gini Wijnaldum and he headed past the Hammers keeper, Lukasz Fabianski.
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The Hammers brought the match level a mere two minutes later when Issa Jean Diop headed home from a corner, beating _Allison_ at the near post. The match remained tied at the half.
Set pieces and corners have suddenly become a defensive issue for the Reds; giving up two goals in their last two outings. Pablo Fornals put the Hammers up 2–1 in the 54th minute, this being more goals allowed by Jurgen Klopp’s men than in their previous 11 fixtures.
Mohamed Salah would bring the match level in the 68th minute with a shot from the middle of the box which slid between the legs of Fabianski.
The Reds seemed to really miss their skipper Jordan Henderson, in the middle of the park, being unavailable due to a hamstring issue suffered in Madrid. Klopp’s squad looked content to play as they did in Madrid for the first 65 minutes or so, as they consistently lost aerial duals and second balls in the middle third of the pitch.
After the second goal by Moyes squad, the Reds picked up the tempo and their passing improved significantly. Sadio Mane found the net in the 81st minute, when the Hammers had a defensive lapse. A rare occurrence for Moyes squad on the evening; as they were well organized, inspired, and equal to the challenge until that defensive miscue.
Liverpool, continued to give the Hammers chances, failing to put the match to bed. Having a difficult time managing the one goal difference; the game ending with the Hammers attacking and winning a late corner in stoppage time.
Anfield breathed a heavy sigh as the final whistle blew; knowing full well the Reds dodged a couple of bullets here. They will be happy to take the three points from this less than proficient showing and look forward to a trip to Watford on the weekend.
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David Moyes had his Hammers well prepared and they performed exceptionally well for most of the match. Indeed they played as if this were a cup final, which, for all intents and purposes, it was for them. The Hammers sit 18th in the league, and face a fierce relegation battle in their remaining fixtures.
No outstanding efforts by the Reds squad, leaves me to name MOTM to the West Ham United squad – who gave Jurgen Klopp’s side all they could handle. A valiant and inspired match, Liverpool played like a deer in headlights for over 60 minutes in front of a vocal and noisy home crowd.