Liverpool made four changes to their lineup compared to the midweek champions league loss against PSV. Mohamed Salah was moved to the bench, with Florian Wirtz taking his starting spot, while Joe Gomez played on the right flank.
"We have many players on the bench, not just Salah, but I understand why the focus is on him," Slot explained to sky sports. "We have to play four matches in ten days, so I have to choose different lineups. Sometimes Isak is on the bench, other times it is Wirtz."
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Isak (right) celebrates his goal with Wirtz during the match against West Ham at London stadium, England on 30/11. Photo: Reuters |
Isak (right) celebrates his goal with Wirtz during the match against West Ham at London stadium, England on 30/11. Photo: Reuters
Liverpool reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Dominik Szoboszlai replacing Salah on the right, which strengthened Gomez's defensive capabilities on that wing. This also allowed Florian Wirtz to play in his intended central attacking midfield role, the position for which he was acquired.
Wirtz has yet to score or assist in the premier league since his transfer from Leverkusen. A long pass from Virgil van Dijk aimed at Cody Gakpo nearly created an opportunity for Wirtz six minutes before halftime, when Aaron Wan-Bissaka's clearance attempt fell to him. However, Wirtz's efforts were unsuccessful, as Alphonse Areola quickly dove to save the German international's shot.
Overall, coach Slot's adjustments brought a more fluid and dynamic style to Liverpool's attack. Wirtz played effectively, constantly moving and often delivering incisive passes. However, Gakpo's shots and those of his teammates failed to secure a goal for the visitors in the first half.
In the second half, Liverpool intensified their pressure. The breakthrough came in the 60th minute when Gakpo evaded the offside trap and assisted Alexander Isak, who slotted a one-touch shot into the near corner, scoring his first premier league goal for Liverpool. This goal ended the expensive new signing's seven-match scoring drought in the league.
On the opposing side, West Ham pushed forward to find an equalizer, but Lucas Paqueta's indirect red card extinguished their hopes. The Brazilian player received a second yellow card for excessive protesting against the referee's decision. With a numerical advantage, Liverpool capitalized to seal a two-zero victory in injury time, thanks to Gakpo's finish.
Throughout the match, Liverpool had nine shots, with five on target. West Ham's players, under Nuno Santo, failed to put any of their seven shots on target against Alisson.
This result extended Liverpool's unbeaten streak against West Ham to ten matches, including four consecutive victories. More importantly, this was the first win for Isak and his teammates after three consecutive losses, each with at least three goals conceded. Liverpool also ended a disappointing run in the premier league, having lost six of their previous seven rounds.
On the league table, the defending champions rose to 8th position, level on 21 points with Man Utd but ranked below them due to a one-goal difference. West Ham, after their three-match unbeaten run ended, dropped to 17th place, just one point above the relegation zone.
