It was a roaring good time on Wednesday evening at Anfield as Liverpool " hammered" the Hammers 5-1. See what I did there? West Ham went ahead via an own goal but soon thereafter the Reds clicked into a new gear and left their visitors behind to advance to the Carabao Cup 4th round.
An early and unlucky own-goal off of Jarell Quansah was a brief setback, but goals from Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo would see Liverpool run away and hide in this cup tie.
We saw the first start from Federico Chiesa who recorded an assist for himself as a result of his bouncing volley attempt on goal finding the head of Jota for the Reds opener.
Let's take a look at how the Liverpool players rated in the big victory.
Caoimhin Kelleher - 7/10- Was not at fault for the own-goal but made several key stops when the game still hung in the balance. Such a reliable deputy for Alisson.
Conor Bradley - 7/10 - Once again played well beyond his years in a composed performance and outing. Always a feisty tackler and a willing attacker, it was his driven cross that led to Salah's goal.
Jarell Quansah - 6.5/10 - He did a lot of good things in this match, but unlucky or not, an own goal is still an own goal as his positioning might have been a hair better. Still so calm despite lack of minutes this season.
Joe Gomez - 6.5/10 - Made his first appearance of the season as he was solid but not spectacular in the center of defense. That's largely been the story of his Liverpool career.
Kostas Tsimikas - 6/10 - His defensive positioning and awareness will always leave a lot to be desired as he is focused on getting forward. Still, left some holes behind and Bowen looked dangerous down his side.
Wataru Endo - 6/10 - Also making his first start of the season he brought his usual tenacity in the middle of the park. Was a bit sloppy at times both on and off the ball, but solid as ever. Could use some more minutes going forward.
Curtis Jones - 7/10 - One of more influential players on the pitch tonight as it was his pirouetting run forward that led to Jota's second. This is the Jones we saw before he was injured last winter.
Federico Chiesa - 7/10 - He didn't last the 90 as we expected, but his time on the pitch was bright. Showed the confident dribbling and attacking mind we have seen from afar. His audacious volley worked out well for the first Liverpool goal. More minutes and he should be even more dangerous.
Diogo Jota - 8/10 - The first goal was a poacher's dream by one of the best poachers in England. His attack positioning is still so good. Calm finish on the break for his second. Needed this bounce back outing.
Cody Gakpo 8.5/10 - Gakpo was once again the most threatening attacker on the pitch in this one. He is always looking to attack from a variety of angles and got two goals late for his endeavor. Continues coming into his own.
Darwin Nunez - 6.5/10 - The goals fell to others on the night but he made no glaring errors in this one. Worked hard as always and put himself and others in dangerous areas throughout.
SUBS:
Mohamed Salah- 7.5/10 - Scored a thunderous rebound off the bench and made an instant creative impact once he got on. Is always so eager and hungry for goals it looks to be infectious for his teammates.
Alexis Mac Allister - 7/10 - Could have scored from Bradley's layoff but was well saved and almost had an assist for Jones. Moved the ball along nicely as always and put in a good abbreviated ship.
Andy Robertson - N/A - Finished things up for Tsimikas on the left-flank.
Tyler Morton - N/A - First minutes of the season for the young midfielder.