Anne Wong
The clash between Liverpool and West Ham United in the League Cup was nothing short of dramatic. With a final scoreline of 5-1, the match had everything from own goals to red cards.
Liverpool displayed their dominance, while West Ham struggled to find their footing. The game took place at Anfield and was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams and their fans.
A Dramatic Start
Liverpool faced a surprising setback early on when Wataru Endo’s clearance hit teammate Jarell Quansah and resulted in an own goal. This gave West Ham a 1-0 lead, shocking the home crowd at Anfield.
Quick Equalizer from Jota
Liverpool didn’t take long to respond. Federico Chiesa, making his first start, provided a crucial assist with an acrobatic volley. Diogo Jota headed the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal energized Liverpool, setting the stage for what was to come.
Liverpool Takes Control
Early in the second half, Jota scored again, this time with a composed low finish. Liverpool took the lead, leaving West Ham in a difficult position.
West Ham had a strong appeal for a penalty when the ball appeared to strike Joe Gomez’s arm, but the absence of VAR until the semi-finals meant their protests were in vain.
West Ham’s Struggle
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui was visibly frustrated with the officiating, culminating in him stamping the ground and injuring his calf. The decisions didn’t go their way, adding to their woes.
Mohamed Salah extended Liverpool’s lead to 3-1 after Max Kilman missed a golden chance to equalize for West Ham. This missed opportunity proved to be a turning point in the match.
Red Card and Late Goals
Edson Alvarez was sent off for a second booking, diminishing any hope West Ham had of making a comeback. His dismissal came just two minutes after Salah’s goal.
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo then sealed the deal with two late goals, making the final score 5-1. West Ham’s frustrations were evident as they exited the competition.
Player Ratings
Diogo Jota shone brightly, earning the title of player of the match with an average rating of 8.40. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah also impressed, showcasing Liverpool’s attacking prowess.
West Ham had a tough night, with many players receiving low ratings. Their captain, Jarrod Bowen, managed to stand out but couldn’t turn the tide for his team.
Team Lineups and Stats
Liverpool lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under manager Arne Slot, who celebrated a significant win in his first midweek game at Anfield. West Ham, also in a 4-2-3-1 formation, couldn’t replicate their manager Julen Lopetegui’s previous successes.
Liverpool dominated possession with 61.2% and had 21 shots, 11 of which were on target. In contrast, West Ham managed 12 shots with only 3 on target. The stats reflected the dominance of the home team.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool will face Brighton in the fourth round, carrying forward their momentum. West Ham will need to regroup as they head into their Premier League matchup against Brentford, hoping to avoid a third consecutive defeat.
Liverpool’s 5-1 victory over West Ham United was a clear statement of their intent in the League Cup. The match was filled with excitement, from early setbacks to a flurry of late goals.
West Ham will be licking their wounds, but Liverpool’s performance suggests they are serious contenders for the title.
Source: Bbc
