PLAYER RATINGS: WEST HAM UNITED 1-2 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool came back from a goal down to beat West Ham United at the London Stadium tonight. A Paqueta strike opened the scoring before Cody Gakpo responded for the Reds. A tight second half was settled by a bullet Matip header. Here are player ratings from the match.

Alisson – 5.5

Could have done better for Paqueta’s goal. It was from a long way out and he didn’t get anywhere near it. His passing today, especially over long distances were poor. Kept giving the ball back to them. Was quick off his line to sweep up one attack.

Alexander-Arnold – 9

Best player on the pitch first half. Won so many crucial interceptions in midfield and indeed in his own box. Still found time to be the creative hub of the side, notching yet another assist, this time for Gakpo to equalise. Second half he kept at it. Didn’t forget his primary duties as a right back. He whipped in some devilish set pieces too.

Matip – 9

Wow. A match winning performance from Matip when many thought he’d struggle to cover the right hand side like Konaté has been doing. Proved those fears wrong with an assured display of confidence, competence and quality. Bullet header into the top corner won the game in the end. Pocketed Antonio with minimum fuss. Fantastic tackle on Bowen late on to halt a counter.

Van Dijk – 8

Started sloppily, passing straight to Bowen under no pressure. Woke up after that and put in a crucial challenge to deny Antonio an easy tap in at the backpost. Won so many crucial headers, especially late on when West Ham tried to rally. Stepped up to play Bowen offside for his disallowed goal, although his defending for said goal left a lot to be desired.

Robertson – 8

Has a penchant to rush out of position to press high up the pitch even when there’s little chance he’ll win it. He did that late on and Bowen was set away. Luckily he could only shoot straight at Alisson. Aside that, he provided quality from dead ball situations, whipping in a number of delightful deliveries. One such ball found Matip for what proved to be the winner.

Fabinho – 6.5

Paqueta just breezed past him to leather one past Alisson. He settled into the game and saw a lot of the ball. Sent one shot into the stands before curling another straight at Fabianski. Got through a lot of work in midfield but it is still a worry how easy opponents just go past him. Rice did same late on with a simple turn of pace, before playing Cornet in behind.

Henderson – 7.5

He’s an asset off the ball with his work rate and application to harry and press. On the ball though, especially in this new system that has him high up the pitch, he is found wanting at times. He plugged away to his credit and set up a few chances including a gilt edged one for Jota with a flicked header.

Jones – 8

Another relentless runner. Klopp was wildly applauding him on the sidelines second half when he hounded the West Ham backline into a hurried clearanc. First half he could have done more on the ball but he improved later in the game. He drove at the defence and committed defenders, combining well with Diaz especially. He’s been excellent since coming into the side. He just needs to start adding a bit more goal threat to his game.

Salah – 5.5

Poor with his decision making in and around the box tonight which is unlike him. Went for the pass when he should have shot, tried to cut in when he should have advanced forward, little things like that. Saw a number of shots blocked.

Gakpo – 9

He’s got the shirt under wraps as it stands. His appreciation for the work required in that position certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. He works his socks off every game. Took his goal well tonight, driving the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box. We looked dangerous every time he turned, even if the pass didn’t come off.

Jota – 4.5

Poor tonight. Missed two presentable chances first half, volleying the first over and heading the second just past the post. Second half he wasn’t any better. He was released in behind by Salah but instead of going for goal, tried to pass it back to the Egyptian and saw the chance go to waste. Hooked not long after.

Substitutes

Thiago – 5.5

Caught on the ball twice in quick succession straight after coming on. Lucky not to give away a penalty when he handled in the box. Exchanged a number of passes with Trent in midfield as he sought to exert control over proceedings.

Diaz – 7

A better outlet down the left when he came on. Actually took on a defender or two and forced West Ham back. Curled one shot wide and could possibly have taken a couple more. Was trying to be too cute and almost pass his way to goal. Still a lively cameo.

Darwin – 4.5

Lost the ball cheaply on a few occasions. Couldn’t hold it up and didn’t really affect the game. Doesn’t look like a man who’s chomping at the bits to win back his place.

Milner – N/A

First action was to foul his man with a crunching tackle. Same old Millie! Did what it says on the tin and helped see out victory.

Jürgen Klopp

The manager went with just the one change, with that being an enforced one as Matip came in for the injured Konaté. He saw his side go 1-0 down before producing a swift response to level. His first two substitutions were made very early (just shy of the hour mark) and it helped turn the tide in his side’s favour.

It was brave from the manager to stick with the new system even in Konaté’s absence and he was rewarded with a brilliant Matip performance. Three league victories on the spin for just the second time this campaign. Better late than never I guess. The side is now up to sixth on the log. On to Spurs.