Despite West Ham pulling a couple of goals back in the second half, this match always felt like it had a Liverpool win written all over it. Unlike their previous fixture, this was open and high-scoring, with no late drama as Liverpool raced out 5-2 winners on the day.
Let's see how the Reds rated in the much needed victory on Saturday.
Alisson Becker: 5/10
Lucky to escape what would have been an absolute howler when he played the ball straight into Jared Bowen. The defenders stopped him from getting across for the second goal, and he had no chance for the first. Some good stops, nothing special.
Joe Gomez: 7/10
Solid as ever. He always does well, even if he’s not been out for a while (which is sadly often the case). I thought for a second he was going to finally get his goal, but it wasn’t to be. Hopefully he can stay fit and kick on from this showing.
Ibrahima Konaté: 5/10
Possibly could have done better for West Ham’s opener — and was it his zone for the second? Ryan Gravenberch didn’t look pleased with him. All round, not as good as he’s been in recent weeks, but not bad either.
Virgil van Dijk: 7/10
Scored a nice header, but also failed to deal with the aerial duel from the corner West Ham scored. Individually, he didn’t do much wrong, but his defending wasn’t overly convincing in this one.
Milos Kerkez: 6
Threw himself into every challenge, as always. Full of energy. Did a good job marking Bowen, who is a quality player.
Ryan Gravenberch: 6/10
Had one really sloppy moment where he gave the ball away in a really dangerous area. But he also got a nice assist for the Reds’ opener. A few nice runs, but the midfield shape was questionable at times in the first half.
Alexis Mac Allister: 8/10
Great goal! And that makes two goals in two games as well, having not scored in the Premier League all season. As a whole, I thought he was the best of the midfielders and is starting to return to his form of last season.
Dominik Szoboszlai: 7/10
Nice to have him back in midfield. Put in some really nice corners, one of which the skipper scored from. Maybe one of his quieter games? But still, loads of running — a good performance overall.
Mohamed Salah: 4/10
Still not offering much. West Ham’s wingers looked a lot more dangerous throughout the match. When he comes up against a rapid winger like El Diouf, his impact is generally limited. At the moment, he usually provides one key moment every other game, but that wasn’t the case today.
Hugo Ekitike: 9/10
Outstanding display. Lovely goal, two assists, and ran their defence ragged all afternoon — all without his usual partner in crime, Florian Wirtz. Almost won a penalty as well. Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s best player this season, but Ekitike is a close runner-up, in my opinion.
Cody Gakpo: 6/10
I think he’s been over-criticised this season, but this wasn’t his best performance. Slightly fortunate with the goal, but did well for it nonetheless.
Should have scored a few minutes earlier, given how much space he had and how close he was to goal. When it comes across goal on your weak foot, it’s always harder than it looks, but he should still be scoring. Had a few loose touches as well.
Subs:
Rio Ngumoha: 7/10
What a special talent. Almost scored a brilliant goal. Every time he comes on, he looks so dangerous. If it wasn’t for his age and consequent vulnerability to injuries, he would play so much more. Someone to be really excited about, though.
Jeremie Frimpong: 8/10
Again, very useful in the short time he was on. Created a goal (albeit slightly fortunate, again) and set up a good chance for Trey Nyoni, who wasn’t on long enough to rate but looked bright.
Frimpong is so important to the Reds as the fastest player in the squad and their only wide player who is equally comfortable cutting in or taking it wide.