Liverpool win for second time in eight Premier League games, beating West Ham United 2-0 on Sunday at London Stadium.
First half dull, only real chance for visitors when Alexander Isak miss Cody Gakpo’s header knockdown around 20th minute. Swedish striker make amends in 60th minute, instinctively bury half-chance low-left corner to give Reds lead.
West Ham task harder when Lucas Paqueta get second yellow and red card for complaining to referee. Cody Gakpo seal win in stoppage time, scoring from central area in box. West Ham stay 17th with 11 points, Liverpool move up to eighth with 21 points.
TPB Verdict
Arne Slot drop Mohamed Salah, bold call, but Liverpool improve performance defensively and get deserved win. Attack still not fully potent, but winning most important after poor prior run. Reds now three points behind third-placed Aston Villa in Champions League chase.
West Ham worryingly poor in attack, no shots on target. Nuno Espirito Santo may need January window fixes to avoid further slide.
West Ham United vs. Liverpool Highlights
- 21st min – Alexander Isak chance: Joe Gomez clip cross to Gakpo, header fall to Isak, but Areola make good save.
- 60th min – Alexander Isak goal (0-1 Liverpool): Florian Wirtz thread ball to Gakpo, Gakpo cut back to Isak, finish first-time low-left. First Premier League goal for Isak!
- 84th min – Lucas Paqueta red card: Two yellow cards for protest at referee, sent off.
- 90+2 min – Cody Gakpo goal (0-2 Liverpool): Gomez cross deflect to Gakpo, swivel strike central area into right side, seal three points.
Man of the Match – Florian Wirtz
Wirtz influence clear, help Liverpool progress up pitch. End game with 95% passing accuracy (42/44) and 60% duels won (3/5).
Match Stats
- Possession: West Ham 44%-56% Liverpool
- Shots: West Ham 7-9 Liverpool
- Shots on target: West Ham 0-5 Liverpool
- Corners: West Ham 7-2 Liverpool
- Fouls: West Ham 12-14 Liverpool
Next Fixtures
West Ham host Manchester United Thursday, then Brighton & Hove Albion Dec 7. Liverpool host Sunderland Wednesday, then travel to Leeds United three days later.
