It wasn’t the prettiest of performances, but no one will really care about that now after Liverpool broke a 3 match skid that saw them concede 10 goals. While still not firing on all cylinders, the Reds were the better squad on the balance and a win is a deserved result. Arne Slot’s side kept their composure throughout and generated just offense thanks to a great finish from Alexander Isak and a late insurance goal by Cody Gakpo. With the win, Liverpool climb all the way up to eight in the table and are back to even on goal difference.
Below, we take a look at some winners and losers on the night, and attempt to disentangle narrative from fact.
Winners
Florian Wirtz
The diminutive German was Liverpool’s brightest player on the day. He was a menace on the ball, both progressing the ball on the dribble as well as with his slick passing. Wirtz completed 42 of 44 passes, including putting a ball on a platter for Cody Gakpo in the middle of the box (Gakpo fluffed the shot). He was the hub for the attack during his 75 minutes on the pitch. Wirtz also showed plenty of energy, both charging forward to run the channel or press, as well as tracking back.
Alexander Isak
It certainly wasn’t a great overall performance from the Swedish striker, but Isak FINALLY broke his duck for Liverpool in the Premier League. He came close with an acrobatic effort in the first half, but his first time finish off a driven pass from Cody Gakpo was perfectly place to give Liverpool a lead.
Cody Gakpo
The Dutchman remains an extremely frustrating player with his decision making and frequent poor touches or passes. Despite that, he still managed to provide both an assist and a late goal. He ended up with 3 chances created to lead the team.
Clean Sheet
After conceding 10 goals over the last 3 matches, seeing Liverpool limit defensive errors and play fairly cohesively as a unit. Both Virgil van Dijk and the oft maligned Ibrahima Konaté were strong presences in the center of defense as the unit did not allow a single shot on target all day of the 7 shots faced. Joe Gomez provided a solid performance at right back in his first start of the season, and Milos Kerkez was more focused than usual and left the goofball mistakes at the door.
Losers
Lucas Paqueta
LOL. The Brazilian talked himself into a red card after being showed a yellow card for dissent and then becoming irate, continuing to scream at referee Darren England despite being pushed away and held back by both West Ham and Liverpool players.
Mohamed Salah
For the first time in 53 matches, Mo was dropped to the bench in the Premier League. Salah has struggled this season, and even on days when he has looked more dangerous, his finishing has been ice cold.
From the Manager
“We hardly conceded a chance and we were able to create chances ourselves. There’s definitely a feeling of relief because if you have lost so many times then winning is important.”
-Arne Slot
What Happens Next
Arne Slot and Liverpool have rejoined the top half of the table, sitting in the eight spot. The Reds will look to take a modicum of momentum into a midweek Premier League fixture at Anfield on Wednesday when they host a surprise sixth place Sunderland. Just a single point separates the sides in a crowded mid-table, with Liverpool now only three points from fourth place.