West Ham 1-2 Liverpool: Player ratings

Liverpool recorded a third straight victory with a 2-1 win over West Ham at the London stadium on Wednesday. An excellent strike from Lucas Paqueta opened the scoring for the hosts, but they could not preserve their lead for long as Cody Gakpo leveled the score with a fantastic finish of his own just minutes later. After surviving a spell of pressure and a narrow offsides decision to rule out a Jarrod Bowen goal, the Reds pushed for a winner and deservedly found it through Joel Matip’s powerful header.

From then on, Klopp’s side largely limited the Hammers’s threat, though they were fortunate not to concede a penalty after the ball struck Thiago’s arm in their box. The victory ultimately keeps Liverpool’s slim top-four hopes alive as they look to catch Newcastle and Manchester United with six matches remaining.

Liverpool player ratings following their win in the capitol:

Allison-6. Could to little to keep out a rocket from Paqueta, but was rarely tested after. Distributed the ball well and remained sharp throughout the 90 minutes.

Trent Alexander-Arnold-8. Continued to thrive in his new central role. Recovered the ball on numerous occasions, was intelligent with his distribution, and registered his fifth assist in his last three matches when he picked Gakpo out from a deep position. Was once again the key instrument to his side’s dominance on the ball.

Joel Matip-8. Thrust back into the starting lineup to fill in for Ibou Konate, but was reliable in the Frenchman’s stead. Protected his goal well and met Robertson’s corner to head in what proved the winner for Liverpool.

Virgil Van Djik-5. On the right end of the scoresheet, but once again failed to convince. Carelessly gifted Bowen the ball just outside his penalty area and could have been punished had the winger’s cross found Antonio. Was immensely fortunate VAR ruled out Bowen’s goal as the Dutchman kept him offsides by only inches and should have done better to close his opponent down. On another afternoon or against stronger opposition, this would have been a difficult night for the center back.

Andy Robertson-7. Reliable as always down the left-hand channel. Stuck to his defensive tasks effectively and assisted Joel Matip’s winner from his corner.

Fabinho-6. A solid night from the Brazilian, whose performances have been noticeably closer to his best of late. West Ham enjoyed some decent spells throughout the 90 minutes, but he provided an extra layer of security to his back four to see out the victory.

Jordan Henderson-6. Asserted Liverpool’s superiority in the midfield, distributed the ball intelligently and protected his back four when necessary.

Curtis Jones-7. Started for a 5th straight game and injected an energy into Liverpool’s midfield that’s been absent for much of the campaign. His workrate was commendable once again as he maintained a solid case to retain his place in Liverpool’s first XI.

Diogo Jota-6. Couldn’t find the net after braces in two consecutive matches, but his movement and link-up play supplemented Liverpool’s threat going forward.

Cody Gakpo-8. Another fine evening for the Dutch winger who has now settled comfortably into this Liverpool side since his arrival in January. Drew Liverpool level with a clean strike from outside his opponent’s box while his movement and passing created plenty of problems for the hosts. Has proven an excellent option as a False 9.

Mohamed Salah-5. Was kept quiet in a fairly unimpactful performance. However, that ought to be of little concern as he came out on top and has still enjoyed strong form in recent weeks.

Substitutes:

Luis Diaz-6. Came on at the hour-mark and provided a creative outlet for his side on the left flank. A solid cameo as he continues his return from a lengthy injury.

Thiago-6. Also introduced at the hour-mark, the Spaniard maintained his side’s control in the midfield, but was fortunate that VAR did not intervene after the ball clearly struck his arm inside his penalty area late on.

Darwin Nunez-5. Introduced after 78 minutes but didn’t have enough time to make any meaningful impact.

James Milner-5. Came on with just 5 minutes of normal time remaining to help his side close out the result.