Slaven Bilic’s woes continued this weekend as the London Stadium was rendered silent just half an hour into their game against Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s men opened their account after Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah sped through from a West Ham corner to slot home not long before Joel Matip found himself with an open net to double Liverpool’s lead.
Roberto Firmino set up Alex Oxlade Chamberlain for Liverpool’s third not even a minute after Manuel Lanzini pulled one back at the other end. Sadio Mane assisted yet another one Mohamed Salah, who is proving to be a superb buy, seeing Liverpool win 4-1 on the night. Here are the player ratings for the Reds from this tie:
Simon Mignolet (6):
Wore the arm-band on the night and showed decent command in the box, and could not do much to stop Lanzini’s goal on a rather comfortable night.
Joe Gomez (5):
Arguably one of the toughest nights for the youngster, who had a torrid time in the second half. Guilty for the goal but managed to ride it and came out victorious with the men in orange.
Joel Matip (6):
Scored his first goal of the season and dealt decently well with the threat from the likes of Chicharito on the night.
Ragnar Klavan (6):
Did not get an opportunity to showcase his turn and was troubled but the West Ham attackers all night but showed decent strength to hold off most of the home side’s attacks.
Alberto Moreno (6):
Was superb at the back, hardly giving West Ham any space on his flank but was oddly off-colour at the other end, even on a day when Liverpool scored 4.
Emre Can (6):
Drove Liverpool forward on every opportunity but was at times wasteful in possession. Needs to be more consistent, playing in an important role in the midfield.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7):
His swift turns and passes were at times too hot for the Hammers and his energy to win possession back helped his side’s cause on more than one occasion.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (9):
Started as sort of a wing-back but was ever available in the attack on the right flank, putting in the hard yards to track back. Deserves an 8 even without the goal, which gave Liverpool some breathing space. His work in the periphery of the game will delight Jurgen Klopp.
Mohamed Salah (9):
His numbers are now getting ridiculous. Salah bagged a brace, one a tap-in and the second a bullet, as he capped off a decent weekend for his side in style.
Roberto Firmino (8):
Did everything except finding the back of the net. Was exceptional with his passing and trickery around the box and opened up the Hammers constantly on the break.
Sadio Mane (7):
Quiet evident that he is coming back from an injury but his intelligent passing allowed him to pick up two assists, both for Salah’s goal before he jets off on international duty.
SUBS:
James Milner (6):
Came on to relieve Mane with 20 minutes to go and managed to keep the pressure on the wilting West Ham side.
Dominic Solanke (N/A):
Came on too late in the game but almost scored and created a goal in the dying minutes.
Dejan Lovren (N/A)
