Liverpool 5-1 West Ham United: A Dominant Display at Anfield – Match Review

by christinaeliana91
September 26, 2024

Liverpool continued their scintillating form this season with a commanding 5-1 victory over West Ham United at Anfield. Jürgen Klopp's men demonstrated their attacking prowess and tactical flexibility, putting the Hammers to the sword with a clinical performance. The win further cemented Liverpool’s credentials as title challengers while leaving David Moyes’ side with plenty of questions as they aim to find consistency in the Premier League.

This was a game filled with intensity, tactical battles, moments of individual brilliance, and decisive team play, making it a memorable contest for Liverpool fans and a tough pill to swallow for West Ham.

First Half: West Ham's Resilience, but Liverpool's Brilliance

West Ham began the game with a clear game plan: defend deep, remain compact, and hit Liverpool on the break. For the first 15 minutes, it appeared that Moyes' tactics might work. Liverpool’s attack, despite their early possession dominance, was finding it difficult to break through the lines, as West Ham defended stoutly with a back five. The midfield of James Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paquetá, and Edson Álvarez looked to stifle Liverpool’s creativity, with Declan Rice sitting deeper to shield the defense.

However, it didn’t take long for Liverpool to find their rhythm. In the 20th minute, Mohamed Salah unlocked West Ham’s defense with a brilliant piece of play. Picking up the ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Salah weaved through two defenders and drilled a low shot past Alphonse Areola. It was a moment of individual brilliance that epitomized Salah's quality and gave Liverpool a 1-0 lead.

West Ham, to their credit, responded quickly. Just 10 minutes after Salah's opener, Jarrod Bowen equalized with a superb header from a corner, catching Liverpool's defense off guard. It was a well-executed set-piece routine that exploited Liverpool's occasional vulnerability in defending aerial balls.

The equalizer, however, only seemed to reignite Liverpool's hunger. Klopp’s men increased the tempo, with their high-pressing game suffocating West Ham. The relentless pressure paid off just before halftime when Darwin Núñez, who had been a constant threat, latched onto a beautifully lofted ball from Alexis Mac Allister. With Areola rushing out, Núñez coolly chipped the ball over him to restore Liverpool's lead at 2-1.

Second Half: Liverpool's Ruthless Domination

The second half began with Liverpool in full control of the game. Klopp's side showcased their tactical adaptability, with Trent Alexander-Arnold tucking into midfield from his right-back position to dictate play alongside Mac Allister and Curtis Jones. This overload in midfield left West Ham chasing shadows for large spells of the half.

Liverpool's third goal came in the 55th minute and was a result of their high-pressing system. Fabinho, quick to intercept a loose pass in West Ham's midfield, fed the ball to Salah. The Egyptian winger calmly slotted home his second goal of the game, making it 3-1 and putting Liverpool in the driver's seat.

West Ham looked deflated after the third goal, and Liverpool showed no mercy. In the 68th minute, Núñez added his second goal of the game, capitalizing on a miscommunication in West Ham's defense. The Uruguayan striker was in the right place at the right time, tapping in from close range after a dangerous cross from Robertson. The goal summed up West Ham's disorganized defensive display, as they failed to deal with Liverpool's fluid attack.

The scoreline became 5-1 in the 78th minute when Diogo Jota, who had come off the bench, added his name to the scoresheet. A clever one-two with Salah allowed the Portuguese forward to get in behind West Ham's defense and fire past a helpless Areola. By this point, Liverpool were coasting, with their fluid attack looking capable of scoring at will.

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Key Performances

Mohamed Salah was undoubtedly the man of the match. With two goals and an assist, he was involved in nearly every dangerous attack Liverpool conjured. His movement off the ball, dribbling, and clinical finishing once again showcased why he's one of the Premier League's most feared forwards. Salah’s vision and understanding of the game were on full display, and he could have had a hat trick had he not been substituted late in the game.

Darwin Núñez, who has faced criticism for inconsistency in the past, silenced his doubters with an outstanding display. His movement, strength, and finishing were top-notch, and his brace highlighted his ability to thrive in big moments. Núñez has been steadily improving under Klopp, and performances like this will only boost his confidence.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister pulled the strings. His distribution was precise, and his assist for Núñez's first goal was exquisite. He dictated the tempo of the game and was the metronome for Liverpool’s attacks, ensuring the ball was moved quickly and efficiently through the lines.

Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to thrive in his hybrid role as both a right-back and a midfielder. His passing range and vision helped Liverpool dominate the midfield battle, and his defensive awareness has improved significantly. Klopp’s tactical tweak, allowing Alexander-Arnold to step into central areas, gave Liverpool an extra dimension in attack.

For West Ham, Jarrod Bowen was the standout performer. His goal and work rate were admirable, and he constantly looked to exploit the space behind Liverpool’s fullbacks. However, with little service from midfield after the first half, Bowen was left isolated for much of the second period.

Tactical Observations

Liverpool’s shift to a 3-2-5 formation in possession, with Alexander-Arnold stepping into midfield, continues to reap rewards. This tactical switch allows Liverpool to create overloads in midfield while maintaining width through Salah and Luis Díaz. Klopp’s high pressing also caused West Ham numerous problems, forcing errors and capitalizing on sloppy passes in dangerous areas.

West Ham’s decision to sit deep and play on the counter initially frustrated Liverpool, but Moyes’ men lacked a plan B when the game began to slip away. West Ham’s defense was disorganized after Liverpool's second goal, and the lack of intensity in their pressing allowed Liverpool’s midfield to control the tempo of the game.

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Conclusion: A Statement Victory

Liverpool’s 5-1 win over West Ham United was more than just a victory—it was a statement. Klopp’s men look hungry and motivated, showing the kind of dominance that propelled them to Premier League glory in the past. With Salah and Núñez in form, and the midfield clicking, Liverpool sent a clear message to their title rivals.

For West Ham, this loss exposed their fragility against top-tier opposition. Moyes has built a solid squad capable of competing, but they will need more consistency, especially defensively, if they are to challenge for European spots this season.

This emphatic win leaves Liverpool in high spirits, while West Ham must regroup and refocus as they seek to bounce back in their next fixture.