PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 1-0 WEST HAM UNITED

Liverpool beat West Ham United 1-0 at Anfield tonight to move to within three points of Manchester City. A first half strike by Sadio Mané was enough to earn a hard fought victory. Read on for player ratings from the match.

Alisson – 8

Made some solid stops in the first half. Antonio had a go a couple of times but Alisson was equal to it. He did well to get up quickly and block Fornals’ follow up shot after Trent’s goalline clearance. He had done well to stand tall in that initial chance too, with Fornals’ chip not having enough legs on it to cross the line. Contributed to the late nerves with one pass straight to a West Ham shirt.

Alexander-Arnold – 9

Probably the Man of the Match. He put Salah through on goal early on after some quick thinking from a free kick. His cross-shot was then tapped home by Mané for what was the only goal of the game. He cut back for Salah a few times but Mo didn’t have his finishing boots on tonight. That goalline clearance was excellent defending. He was the only one switched on to that play.

Konaté – 6

Struggled with Antonio throughout. The forward played on him and found joy, be it in the air on in foot races. Ibou held firm in the end but he got lucky on a few occasions. He was ball watching for the Fornals chance. There were times he did well to step infront of Antonio and win the ball. His passing wasn’t bad either.

Van Dijk – 7

Didn’t really have too much to do despite West Ham looking threatening. They steered clear of him for the most part. One poor header backwards put Bowen through on goal. Played a number of trademark diagonals to switch play. Was always in the right position at the right time to clear crosses into the box.

Robertson – 8.5

He was fantastic at the back as he showcased his recovery pace on two occasions. He steamed back in to make an incredible block on Bowen to save Van Dijk’s blushes. Then he sprinted back to get a foot on the ball to halt Antonio’s progress enough for Keita to get back and make the block. Robbo made a number of surging runs through midfield tonight, his deliveries weren’t always the best however.

Fabinho – 7.5

Gave the ball way early on to Bowen but recovered it with a brilliant tackle. He played a delightful ball over the top to put Trent in behind, leading to a goalline scramble. Generally did alright. Won the ball back when he could.

Henderson – 8

He was exceptional tonight, first half especially. He brought the flicks and tricks out as he combined well with those around him. He was everywhere it seemed, blocking passing lanes, closing down and offering himself as an option when his teammates got on the ball. Used the ball very well too.

Keita – 7.5

Was neat and tidy throughout. Played a lovely pass to Trent in the lead up to the goal. Aside that he was conservative with his passing. Defensively, he was outstanding. That block on Antonio late on probably saved a point. Goal saving challenge!

Salah – 6

Not quite at the races today. He was heavily involved but his final finish or pass wasn’t on the money. Should have scored early on when he shot straight at Fabianski. Second half he stopped looking for his teammates and almost went on a one man mission to get on the scoresheet. Not the greatest approach when just a goal up. Subbed.

Mané – 8

He’s adapting pleasantly well to the striking position. Dropped deep to get on the ball and create as well. Took his goal like an old fashioned number nine. Set up chances for Diaz a few times and was generally a threat. Not everything came off as he gave the ball away a good number of times. All in all, an impressive display in his new found position.

Diaz – 8

He may not have scored or assisted but he was fantastic yet again. Full of running and with an excellent touch. He bent another effort just past the top corner tonight. That goal is coming, he saw a similar one go just wide against Norwich on Wednesday. He sent another shot fizzing past the upright as he sought to make a difference. Kept the ball well late on when we were struggling to get over the line.

Substitutes

Jota – 6

Worked a beautiful counter with Mané late on but his final ball was well cut out by Dawson. Had a chance on his left but he sent it horribly wide.

Milner – N/A

Set Jones away on a counter deep into injury time.

Jones – N/A

Took the ball to the corner flag and wasted a few seconds.

Jürgen Klopp

The gaffer made 2 changes to the side that started the League Cup final, with Alisson coming in for Kelleher and Konaté coming in for Matip (who was ruled out with illness). His side went a goal up and missed a few chances. They had to see it out in the end and the gaffer brought Millie and Jones on to make sure. Took the decision to take Salah off as he wasn’t having the best of games. 12 wins in a row!