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Was this the primary correct glimpse of Liverpool 2.0? The primary signal that Arne Slot’s pricey evolution is, eventually, starting to take form? It definitely felt that manner as Slot dropped Mohamed Salah to his bench and as an alternative efficiently constructed his assault across the £240m duo of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
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With Salah watching from the sidelines for the primary time in a league sport since Jürgen Klopp was Liverpool’s supervisor, the brand new boys lastly delivered the form of performances they have been signed for. Isak struck his first league objective for Liverpool with a splendidly sharp end, whereas the much-criticised Wirtz was the sport’s standout participant.
Are Liverpool again? Let’s not go that far. They have been hardly at their thrilling greatest right here. However after a run of 9 defeats in 12 matches, this victory within the capital will really feel like discovering water after days within the desert. There might be reduction at successful a sport once more, and in addition pleasure on the sense that Wirtz and Isak may simply be beginning to discover their toes.
There’s a caveat, although. This all got here in opposition to West Ham United, a group that has struggled for a lot of this season, and Nuno Espírito Santo’s aspect have been hardly piling on the stress.
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West Ham followers arrived right here to , maybe their greatest-ever participant, and hoped their group may channel the spirit of Bonds of their efficiency. In that regard, the house gamers failed miserably. They may not muster even one shot on the right track. “He didn’t have lots of work to do,” admitted Slot of Alisson Becker, his goalkeeper.
West Ham’s efforts have been summarised by the sight of Lucas Paquetá receiving the stupidest of crimson playing cards within the last moments. Not content material with being proven a yellow card for dissent within the 82nd minute, the Brazilian saved complaining to referee Darren England till he was proven one other within the 83rd. Even the Liverpool gamers have been attempting to tug him away. To name it ludicrous could be an understatement.
“It’s onerous to play in opposition to a group like Liverpool with one participant much less,” stated Nuno. “I gained’t go a lot additional in my feedback. I wish to communicate with him first. I wish to have a personal dialog, to grasp him.”
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For Slot, the massive query now could be whether or not the axing of Salah was the first purpose for the improved performances of Wirtz and Isak. The main target of the assault shifted away from the best wing, the place Salah has been so fabulous for therefore a few years however so poor in latest weeks, and in direction of the extra central Wirtz. Liverpool unquestionably appeared higher for it.
Isak’s objective, a pointy first-time effort, was assisted by Cody Gakpo however the true architect was Wirtz. The German’s imaginative go to Gakpo, flicked across the West Ham defence, was the decisive second. There might need been extra of these from Wirtz, too, if his and Gakpo’s ending had been higher within the first half.
When Gakpo struck Liverpool’s second in stoppage time, it not solely cemented Liverpool’s superiority but in addition triggered a refrain of pro-Slot chants from the away supporters. After loads of tough days in latest months, this was a day to re-warm the soul of Liverpool’s head coach. “That’s particular,” stated Slot of the away followers. “It tells you that this membership is at all times collectively, however possibly much more in tough moments.”
One wonders whether or not Slot will now preserve Salah on the bench for the foreseeable future. It could be a courageous resolution, however there may be clearly an argument to be made for it when Wirtz sparkles like this and Isak lastly finds the online. If Liverpool need Isak and Wirtz to be the long-term drivers of this group, why not hand them the keys now?
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It was a curious quirk of Slot’s group choice that Salah’s final league axing additionally got here away to West Ham, beneath Klopp in April 2024. On that event, Salah argued together with his supervisor on the touchline after which stated: “If I communicate, there might be hearth.” Will there be hearth this time? One suspects not, given Salah’s kind. Even the good Egyptian should earn his place within the group, and he’ll know that higher than anybody.
“He has been so necessary for this membership and might be necessary for this membership sooner or later,” stated Slot when requested about Salah. The Liverpool head coach prompt it was largely a tactical resolution, primarily based on the traits of West Ham’s left-sided gamers.
Mohamed Salah was benched for the primary time in a league sport since Jürgen Klopp was Liverpool supervisor – Getty Photos/Justin Setterfield
Isak would have identified early within the first half that he would get possibilities in opposition to this West Ham defence. Inside round 20 minutes, he had three alternatives to attain. It took a superb cease by Alphonse Areola, the West Ham goalkeeper, to maintain him out.
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Isak’s breakthrough lastly got here within the sixtieth minute, when he stylishly diverted Gakpo’s low cross contained in the close to submit, simply as Slot was starting to contemplate eradicating him for health causes. “I feel that’s necessary for him,” stated Slot. “I don’t assume there was way more than 10 minutes [left] in him.”
Gakpo’s objective didn’t arrive till the 92nd minute, after Paquetá’s dismissal had ripped a lot of the hope away from West Ham and their followers. Controlling Joe Gomez’s cross, Gakpo completed with energy to seal a win that would, maybe, show to be a springboard for Liverpool.
Paqueta hits out on the FA after extraordinary crimson card
Lucas Paquetá, the West Ham United midfielder, appeared in charge the Soccer Affiliation for the extraordinary crimson card he was given for 2 consecutive acts of dissent in opposition to Liverpool.
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Paquetá was proven yellow playing cards within the 83rd and 84th minutes of West Ham’s 2-0 defeat as he repeatedly complained to referee Darren England a couple of resolution that had gone in opposition to his group.
In an announcement on social media, posted shortly after the match, Paquetá apologised to the West Ham followers and gamers, but in addition prompt his behaviour was a results of the prolonged investigation into spot-fixing, for which he was ultimately cleared.
The FA launched their investigation into Paquetá in August 2023, who was alleged to have intentionally been booked, earlier than then charging him in Could 2024. He was this yr.
Responding to a video clip of his crimson card wherein his behaviour was described as “ridiculous”, Paquetá wrote on social media: “It’s ridiculous to have your life and profession affected for 2 years with none psychological assist from the federation.
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“Maybe this ridiculous behaviour is only a reflection of every thing I’ve needed to endure and, it appears, need to proceed enduring! I’m sorry if I’m not excellent.”
In one other submit in Portuguese, he added: “I perceive that now I’ve to come back throughout because the villain, it’s onerous to stay with every thing that was brought on in my life and in my psyche! I’ll preserve attempting to make sure they don’t have an effect on me much more. This doesn’t justify my expulsion and that’s why I apologise to the followers and my team-mates!”
It was reported in September that Paquetá was contemplating suing the FA, following the choice by an impartial fee to clear him on 4 counts of alleged spot-fixing.
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The announcement of the FA’s investigation in August 2023 brought on the collapse of the midfielder’s proposed switch to Manchester Metropolis.
Nuno Espírito Santo, the West Ham United head coach, stated after the defeat by Liverpool: “It’s onerous to play in opposition to a group like Liverpool with one participant much less. I gained’t go a lot additional in my feedback. I wish to communicate with him [Paquetá] first. I wish to have a personal dialog, to grasp him.”
04:44pm
Thanks for becoming a member of us
That brings our protection of Liverpool’s victory over West Ham to an finish, as Arne Slot’s aspect stopped their run of defeats and Alexander Isak obtained off the mark within the Premier League for his new aspect. Thanks for becoming a member of us.
Liverpool have a good time their opening objective – Reuters/Tony O’Brien
04:41pm
‘The spirit and want was there’, says Nuno
West Ham supervisor Nuno Espirito Santo, chatting with BBC MOTD: “I feel we achieved good moments in spells and reached the areas within the last third however the resolution was not as correct as all of us wished.
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On the crimson card for Lucas Paqueta, he stated: “Permit me to talk with Lucas first and attempt to perceive why. Even with one man much less the boys had a little bit of combat. The spirit and the need was there in a day that was very unhappy for us as a membership.
“The passing of Billy Bonds affected everyone and we wished to vary the environment with our actions. The boys gave it a combat so let’s carry on going.”
04:39pm
Isak: ‘As a striker you want momentum’
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak chatting with BBC MOTD about his first league objective for Liverpool: “I’ve been ready for it and chasing it and typically it takes longer than you anticipate however completely satisfied to attain a objective and assist in direction of the win at the moment.
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“It’s by no means simple, as a striker you want momentum. Generally you undergo this patches however hopefully this might be useful in direction of constructing good kind. We defended rather well and scored twice so completely satisfied days.”
Alexander Isak celebrates his objective with Ibrahima Konate – Getty Photos /Alex Pantling
04:36pm
‘We’ll bounce again’ – Nuno reacts to defeat
Discussing his group’s efficiency, Nuno Espirito Santo stated: “It’s a disappointing day. We felt we have been within the sport, we have been controlling the sport. A scarcity of focus value us.
“We fought in opposition to a superb group. The ultimate go, the ultimate cross wasn’t there.”
Requested if the result’s a step backwards, he stated: “No manner, no manner. We didn’t carry out in addition to ought to have. We’ll bounce again.”
04:35pm
‘I’ll communicate to Lucas to try to perceive his behaviour’, says Nuno
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo on Lucas Paqueta’s crimson card: “I’m not going to remark an excessive amount of. To begin with I’m going to talk to Lucas and attempt to perceive his frustrations and his behaviour.
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“We’d like all of the participant and we’re going to want them till the top of the season. Each participant out, we’re going to overlook them.”
04:32pm
Isak ends league drought
Alexander Isak’s objective was his first within the Premier League in eight matches, ending his joint-longest scoring drought within the competitors.
04:30pm
‘Isak is a prime striker’, says Slot
Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot, chatting with BBC MOTD: “A win and that was what we primarily wanted and we obtained a clear sheet as properly which is at all times useful.
“Not giving something away to the opposite group as a present as we’ve accomplished far too many occasions this season. The opposite group hardly created an opportunity besides within the last minute by way of [Jarrod] Bowen.
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“West Ham made it a tough sport for us however we did very properly defensively. The great factor was that they solely had one likelihood.
On Alexander Isak: “He’s a prime striker. This end was superb. I saved him in simply lengthy sufficient for him to get a objective for the group and himself.”
On dropping Mohamed Salah: “We play lots of video games. In 10 days we performed 4. These gamers are such high quality gamers. Mo has been so necessary for the membership and might be so necessary for the membership so let’s see what occurs on Wednesday [against Sunderland].”
04:26pm
‘A major second’ – Slot on Isak’s first league objective
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, chatting with Sky Sports activities: “There’s undoubtedly a sense of reduction as a result of in case you have misplaced so many occasions then successful is necessary.
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“We hardly conceded an opportunity. We have been in a position to create possibilities ourselves. In different video games we gave away much more than we did at the moment.
“It helps if you happen to don’t go 1-0 down after 5 minutes as a result of then you’re extra open. We performed the sport I wished us to play.
“What I noticed meant so much to our gamers and our followers. The followers needed to journey a protracted approach to assist a group that has been performing poorly.
“On Wednesday we face Sunderland. It’s a really busy schedule for everybody. This can be a good first step for us – that we gained and had a clear sheet.”
On if Alexander Isak’s first Premier League objective for Liverpool feels vital: “Yep, I feel it does. I wasn’t planning to offer him many extra minutes.”
04:21pm
Up subsequent
Liverpool will look to make it two wins on the spin on Wednesday after they welcome Sunderland to Anfield within the Premier League.
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West Ham, in the meantime, make the journey to Outdated Trafford on Thursday.
04:19pm
WATCH: Isak will get off the mark within the league for Liverpool
04:17pm
Premier League scores this afternoon
Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2
Nottingham Forest 0 Brighton 2
Chelsea vs Arsenal (16:30)
04:16pm
Paqueta crimson card made it ‘tougher’, says Fernandes
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, chatting with Sky Sports activities: “ They’re a superb group with lots of high quality. We must be extra constant.
“It was a tough sport for us. We tried to play counter-attack and did properly. Second half…when Lucas was despatched off it was tougher for us.
“No I don’t assume [we’ve gone backwards]. We have now high quality within the squad to win way more video games.”
04:13pm
‘A very long time coming’ – Isak ‘completely satisfied’ to get off mark
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak chatting with Sky Sports activities: “We knew it was going to be tough to get again to successful methods after our latest kind. Blissful that we gained and completely satisfied to be on the scoresheet as properly.”
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On the primary half: “When you’re going by way of robust occasions as a group, it’s about preventing. The boys did rather well.”
On scoring his first Premier League objective for Liverpool: “I’m conscious that it has been a very long time coming and I’ve been attempting to get again to my greatest kind. I’m nonetheless on the way in which however I’m completely satisfied to get that objective.
“The very best feeling at the moment is that we win the sport and that’s the greatest approach to get a superb spirit within the group however after all I’m a striker so scoring targets will at all times assist me.
“We have now to make use of this win in a great way but in addition be humble. We have now to remain centered and preserve working onerous to maintain this momentum.”
04:10pm
Liverpool up eighth. West Ham stay in seventeenth
Victory this afternoon has taken Liverpool from thirteenth to eighth within the Premier League desk, stage on factors with Manchester United in seventh.
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They’re only one level behind Sunderland and Brighton, and two behind Chelsea who .
West Ham stay in seventeenth, avoiding the relegation zone solely due to their superior objective tally over Leeds United.
Following Nottingham Forest’s defeat in opposition to Brighton, West Ham stay only one level behind Sean Dyche’s aspect.
04:06pm
WATCH: Paqueta crimson card
West Ham might be with out Paqueta for his or her subsequent conflict following his two yellow playing cards in fast succession late on this afternoon. What was the Brazilian considering?
04:04pm
Signal of issues to come back for Salah?
Mohamed Salah began on the bench within the Premier League for the primary time since April 2024 when he was disregarded by Jurgen Klopp on the London Stadium.
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The Egyptian didn’t function in any respect this afternoon, and with Isak and Wirtz displaying indicators of promise with the assault constructed round them, may this be an indication of issues to come back?
04:01pm
Positives for Liverpool
Liverpool have been removed from their scintillating greatest however there are many positives for Arne Slot as they ended a run of three defeats in all competitions and clinched a large three factors.
The guests appeared way more stable in defence, incomes a primary clear sheet in 4 video games, and never permitting West Ham a shot on the right track.
Konate and Van Dijk have been dominant within the air and Gomez felt like a chilled presence, with Kerkez trying much less susceptible.
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Wirtz delivered one in every of his strongest shows, notably within the first half, and Isak obtained his first Premier League objective for the membership.
03:58pm
Full time: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 2
Liverpool see out the rest of stoppage time with ease as West Ham settle for their destiny, and Arne Slot’s aspect safe a large three factors.
03:56pm
GOAL! Gakpo seals three factors for Liverpool in stoppage time
West Ham United 0 Liverpool 2 (Gakpo) That has absolutely sealed it for the guests!
Szoboszlai will get to a unfastened ball forward of Areola in the best of the field and lays the ball again to Gomez on the sting of the realm.
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The fitting-back delivers a first-time cross that picks out Gakpo and the Dutchman chests it down earlier than hooking a low, pushed volley previous Areola.
03:53pm
90+1 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
West Ham win a free-kick down their proper and take the possibility to load the field however Konate is as soon as once more there to move away.
There might be 5 minutes added on for the house aspect to attract themselves stage.
03:51pm
88 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
Fullkrug battles by way of numerous tackles on the sting of the Liverpool field and the ball drops to Bowen, however he fires a first-time strike simply previous the highest left nook. The house followers have been simply ready for the online to bulge.
03:49pm
Pink card! Paqueta dismissed after receiving two yellows in fast succession
West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1 That’s so foolish from Paqueta. Szoboszlai wins the free-kick and there’s a feeling within the London Stadium that he has gone down softly.
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Paqueta picks up a reserving for his protestations however continues shouting on the referee. His team-mates look to information him away, as does Alisson, however he goes again for extra.
The referee has no selection however to offer him a second yellow. He’ll now be suspended but once more, having been suspended for the journey to Bournemouth final week.
03:45pm
82 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
There may be a right away likelihood for Fullkrug as Paqueta picks out the striker from the best of the realm however he heads extensive, and the flag was up in opposition to Paqueta anyway.
Ekitike picks the ball up in the best of the field and will actually let fly immediately however he dummies a few occasions, permitting Diouf to get well and make a block.
03:42pm
79 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
It looks like a lot of West Ham’s attacking risk has come by way of corners and lengthy balls, however Van Dijk and Konate have been so dominant within the air.
Fullkrug is approaching instead of Wilson, who has had a fairly quiet afternoon after scoring three in his final two. The German could also be a bit extra of a handful for Liverpool’s defenders in aerial duels.
03:39pm
77 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
Slot is making his second change of the match and it’s Wirtz making manner, with Jones approaching for the ultimate 20 minutes. It was a way more promising efficiency from the German this afternoon.
Jones is instantly concerned, combining properly with Ekitike on the sting of the realm. The striker has his first opening since approaching, however his curling effort bounces extensive of the far submit.
03:37pm
74 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
West Ham are actually struggling to carve out any sort of clear reduce likelihood, with Liverpool’s defence trying moderately stable this afternoon. Gomez’s presence at right-back has felt like a steadying one.
03:33pm
71 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
West Ham win one other nook down that proper as they search for a manner again into the competition – they’re but to muster a shot on objective.
And the wait goes on, with Liverpool defending the set piece successfully as soon as once more.
03:31pm
68 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
Isak is making manner now, with Ekitike approaching in his place. The Swede nonetheless seems a manner off his greatest however he might be delighted to have gotten off the mark.
Nuno can be making a change, with Guilherme approaching for Magassa, who had simply been booked.
03:29pm
67 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
Magassa places in a crunching deal with on Szoboszlai to pinch the ball again excessive up the pitch however the whistle blows and the West Ham man sees yellow.
It was a bit harsh, with the midfielder getting lots of the ball, nevertheless it was maybe a bit too studs-up.
03:26pm
64 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
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Was that the primary second of actual high quality that Alexander Isak has produced in a Liverpool shirt? It’s a brilliantly instinctive, managed first-time end. A turning level for him? A turning level for Liverpool’s total marketing campaign? May very well be.
03:26pm
63 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
Liverpool are pushing for a second and win a nook down their left. Gakpo’s inswinging supply causes Iraola issues however his manages to palm it away.
03:25pm
62 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
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If Liverpool go on to win this sport, it is going to really feel like the primary return on the mixed £240m for Isak and Wirtz.
03:24pm
GOAL! Isak breaks the impasse with first league objective for Liverpool
West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1 (Isak) Isak lastly has his first Premier League objective since signing for Liverpool.
The guests preserve the stress on following a protracted throw into the realm and Gakpo is discovered within the left of the field.
The Dutchman pulls the ball again to Isak who guides a first-time side-footed end in on the close to submit.
What an enormous second that’s for the striker and his group.
03:22pm
59 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Paqueta pops the ball over the top of Mac Allister earlier than taking intention with a looping volley from 30 yards out nevertheless it was fairly extensive ultimately.
Down the opposite finish, Wirtz is launched into the best of the realm and he lays a harmful first-time ball throughout the field however Mavropanos does properly to clear earlier than it reaches Isak.
03:19pm
57 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
West Ham win one other nook down their proper and after taking it brief, the eventual supply is headed behind by Konate for an additional nook, from the left this time.
It’s a harmful inswinging ball from Potts into the guts of the six-yard field nevertheless it’s headed away as soon as extra by Liverpool.
03:17pm
55 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Bowen is discovered down West Ham’s proper and he wins a nook as his cross is blocked by Van Dijk, who bellows at his team-mates.
Potts’ supply is headed away on the close to submit.
03:16pm
53 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Diouf swings a harmful ball into the realm from West Ham’s left however Alisson comes out properly to say it.
Moments later and Paqueta slides a harmful go into the best of the realm however none of his team-mates are on his wavelength and it runs by way of to the Liverpool keeper.
03:13pm
50 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Gravenberch seems to interrupt the traces with an incisive ball by way of to Wirtz on the sting of the field.
The go is simply barely wayward however the guests want extra of that – progressive, courageous passing that may open up their opponents.
Gakpo works room for the shot from vary however his effort sails properly over.
03:11pm
48 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
It’s pretty from Mac Allister as he spins well in midfield earlier than popping the ball by way of the legs of a West Ham midfielder, however his last go into Gakpo within the left of the realm is barely over-hit.
Wirtz performed extra profitable passes into Isak in that opening interval than he had accomplished in any respect earlier than at the moment. Can the 2 big-money signings lastly begin clicking?
03:07pm
46 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
We’re again underway on the London Stadium, with the hosts kicking issues off, going from proper to left on this second interval.
Either side are unchanged from the primary half.
03:00pm
Within the Premier League this afternoon
Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 (FT)
Aston Villa 0 Wolves 0 (HT)
Nottingham Forest 0 Brighton 1 (HT)
West Ham 0 Liverpool 0 (HT)
Chelsea vs Arsenal (16:30)
02:59pm
Liverpool want leading edge
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The excellent news for Liverpool: they don’t look notably susceptible in defence, and Wirtz has been one of the best participant on the pitch.
The unhealthy information for Liverpool: the ultimate go within the last third has been persistently poor, and their ending has been even worse.
As for West Ham, all of it feels a bit… uninteresting. There’s no actual sense right here that they will have a go for the guests within the second half. That’s not likely Nuno’s type, I suppose.
However it might be cheap for the house followers to anticipate a extra aggressive strategy in opposition to such an out-of-form Liverpool.
02:56pm
Small steps ahead for Liverpool
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Slot has prompt Liverpool have didn’t ‘reward’ themselves for good moments. He’ll really feel the identical given the Wirtz miss. Had that gone in, this is able to have been thought of an honest if not spectacular first half from the guests.
On the plus aspect, Wirtz has been the excellent participant and Isak didn’t look knackered after 10 minutes. Small steps…
02:53pm
Half-time: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
There might be one minute of added time on the finish of this primary half.
West Ham have one last likelihood to create one thing as they win a nook down their left however Potts’ supply is headed away and the half-time whistle follows.
It stays goalless on the break!
02:49pm
43 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Wirtz slips Gomez into the best channel and the defender lays a teasing ball throughout the six-yard field.
However Areola springs out of his objective properly to parry the ball out of the trail of Isak, who would have had a tap-in.
02:46pm
41 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
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Simply as we have been singing his praises, Wirtz produces a pathetically weak end when he needed to rating.
02:46pm
40 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Van Dijk unlocks the West Ham defence with one ball excessive as Gakpo brings it down within the left of the realm after Wan-Bissaka makes a large number of it.
The winger lays the ball again to Wirtz however the German’s side-footed effort is tame and straightforward for Areola. He needed to do so much higher there.
02:42pm
36 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
West Ham discover themselves in a two-on-two, with Bowen and Wilson breaking at Van Dijk and Konate.
However the Liverpool captain does sufficient to delay the West Ham skipper, permitting his team-mates to get again, and ultimately Bowen’s speculative roller is blocked.
02:39pm
34 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
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Slot’s tweaks have been designed to get extra from Wirtz. Up to now it’s working. With a greater first contact from teammates, he would have an help by now. It’s the classiest he has appeared within the Premier League up to now.
02:38pm
32 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Wirtz lifts a go into Gakpo in the best of the realm however his first contact lets him down and West Ham can clear.
The hosts look to counter and Konate is penalised for a foul on midway, which the defender can’t consider has been given.
02:37pm
31 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Mohamed Salah has began on the bench within the Premier League for the primary time since April 2024, when he was left on the bench additionally on the London Stadium.
Mohamed Salah on the bench this afternoon – Getty Photos/Justin Setterfield
02:35pm
29 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Isak does properly to drive inside in direction of the sting of the realm however his lay off to Gakpo is simply behind the Dutchman and he fails to get the ball out of his toes.
Moments later, Gakpo slides Kerkez into the left of the realm however his pull-back is reduce out by Diouf. The defender had extra time than he realised there.
02:33pm
27 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
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Florian Wirtz has understandably acquired some heavy criticism since his transfer from Germany however, within the opinion of this humble hack, there have been greater than sufficient moments this season to counsel he may instantly explode into match-winning kind. You possibly can see the expertise and supreme technical capability is there.
Might this lastly be the day all of it comes collectively for him in the Premier League? He has began the sport properly, selecting up the ball in good areas and making issues occur. Let’s not get carried away, although.
02:31pm
26 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
That was Isak’s second shot on the right track within the Premier League this season… It’s not been the beginning he would have hoped for and anticipated at Liverpool.
Gravenberch darts to the sting of the field and will get introduced down by a sliding problem from Magassa however play is waved on.
It was simply outdoors the field so there may be nothing VAR may do about it nevertheless it seems just like the West Ham man might have gotten the slightest contact on it.
02:28pm
22 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
What a save from Areola! Gomez breaks down Liverpool’s proper and hangs a cross as much as the again submit, selecting out the top of Gakpo.
The winger nods the ball again throughout objective to Isak, who pops the ball up together with his chest earlier than hooking a volley on objective however Areola spreads himself properly to make the save.
02:25pm
19 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Paqueta skips previous Mac Allister and sweeps a elegant ball in behind for Wilson to run onto. The striker finds himself remoted within the left of the realm however manages to win a nook off Konate.
It’s a depraved ball in direction of the again submit however Mavropanos doesn’t time his leap accurately and the ball runs out for a goal-kick.
02:22pm
17 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Wirtz breaks into the left of the realm and lays a tantalising ball throughout the face of objective however Isak doesn’t gamble and Diouf turns it behind for a nook.
Szoboszlai’s lofty supply finds Van Dijk in direction of the again submit however his header loops properly over the bar.
02:20pm
15 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
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Appears like West Ham are utilizing a well-known tactic of permitting Konate to take possession when Liverpool go from the again. The ball often finds its approach to the opponent when he goes lengthy down the road.
02:19pm
14 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
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It has been fairly a ponderous begin by each groups, with none attacking urgency (but).
The London Stadium united in tribute to the good Billy Bonds however I might not say that has carried over into notably vociferous assist for the house group in these first 10 minutes.
I’ve been at this stadium when the environment has been genuinely, critically good. This isn’t a type of events.
02:18pm
13 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Mamardashvili is out for a warm-up however after a prolonged little bit of remedy, Alisson is again on toes and appears okay to proceed.
02:17pm
12 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Paqueta releases Wan-Bissaka down West Ham’s proper and the full-back lifts a teasing ball into space however Alisson nearly manages to punch clear.
The Liverpool keeper collided with Gomez, although, and is down requiring remedy. It seems a blow to his ribs possibly.
02:13pm
8 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Paqueta lifts the ball over the top of Gomez as he seems to interrupt into the left of the field however Gravenberch is protecting and places it behind for a nook.
The Dutchman is there as soon as once more on the again submit to move the set piece away from hazard.
02:10pm
5 minutes: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
When it comes to the three gamers behind Isak, it’s trying like it will likely be Gakpo on the left, Szoboszlai on the best and Wirtz by way of the center within the No 10 position.
Wirtz latches onto a unfastened ball about 30 yards out and drives to the sting of the field earlier than laying the ball to his left. Gakpo lets it run by way of his legs to Isak, who blazes a curling effort properly over the bar.
02:08pm
3 min: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
West Ham have an early likelihood to assault as Bowen is present in area down their proper.
The winger cuts inside and finds Wilson, who feeds the overlapping Diouf, however the full-back’s cross slices behind for a goal-kick.
02:06pm
1 min: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
We’re underway on the London Stadium, with Liverpool kicking issues off, going from proper to left on this opening interval.
02:05pm
Tributes to Bonds
There’s a standing ovation from everybody contained in the London Stadium this afternoon in honour of Billy Bonds, with photographs of the West Ham legend displayed on the massive screens.
Bowen holds up a shirt with the previous participant’s identify on it and he lays it in entrance of the Billy Bonds Stand.
02:02pm
Kick-off approaching
The groups have emerged from the tunnel on the London Stadium and we are actually lower than 5 minutes away from kick-off.
Earlier than the match will get underway, tributes are set to be held for Billy Bonds following the passing of West Ham’s document look holder and former supervisor this morning.
02:00pm
ICYMI: Salah on bench, Wirtz begins
West Ham United: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Diouf; Magassa, Potts, Fernandes; Bowen, Wilson, Paqueta.
Subs: Julio, Fullkrug, Hermansen, Irving, Kilman, Rodriguez, Soucek, Walker-Peters, Guilherme.
Liverpool: Allison; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo.
Subs: Chiesa, Endo, Jones, Ekitike, Salah, Ngumoha, Nyoni, Robertson, Mamardashvili.
01:57pm
Elsewhere this afternoon
Manchester United have come from behind to beat Crystal Palace, taking them as much as sixth and three factors away from Liverpool.
Nonetheless to come back within the Premier League at the moment:
Aston Villa vs Wolves (14:05)
Nottingham Forest vs Brighton (14:05)
West Ham vs Liverpool (14:05)
Chelsea vs Arsenal (16:30)
01:52pm
West Ham’s upturn in kind
West Ham are on an upward trajectory, having picked up seven factors from their least three video games after amassing one level from their earlier six.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s males claimed dwelling victories over Newcastle United and Burnley earlier than drawing away at Bournemouth final day out.
01:48pm
Liverpool’s struggles within the capital
Liverpool have misplaced every of their final 5 away league video games in opposition to London sides, with three of these coming this season in opposition to Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Brentford.
Liverpool concede a late winner at Chelsea – Reuters/Matthew Childs
01:44pm
Wilson in kind
Callum Wilson has scored three targets in his final two video games for West Ham, together with each of his aspect’s targets within the 2-2 draw at his former aspect Bournemouth final weekend.
It’s as many as he had in his earlier 36 and he’s now trying to rating in three in a row for the primary time since September 2023.
Callum Wilson with a muted celebration in opposition to Bournemouth final day out – Getty Photos /Alex Broadway
01:40pm
Liverpool drawing blanks
Having solely failed to attain in solely one in every of their first 48 Premier League video games beneath Arne Slot, Liverpool have now misplaced their final two by a 3-0 scoreline.
Alexander Isak is but to get off the mark within the league for Liverpool – Getty Photos/Shaun Botterill
01:37pm
Slot on ‘identical web page’ as Jones
Following Liverpool’s defeat in opposition to PSV on Wednesday, Curtis Jones stated: “I don’t have the solutions, truthfully, I don’t. It’s simply unacceptable.
“I’m previous being indignant inside. I’m on the level now the place I simply don’t have the phrases.”
Requested about these feedback on Thursday, Arne Slot admitted he had not seen the interview, however stated: “I feel we’re on the identical web page with regards to getting out of this case.”
01:34pm
Liverpool dominate head-to-head
Regardless of their present kind, Liverpool will take confidence from their document in opposition to West Ham.
The east London aspect have gained simply one in every of their final 18 Premier League video games in opposition to Liverpool (D3 L14) beating them 3-2 at dwelling in November 2021.
Liverpool have scored 25 targets of their 9 league visits to the London Stadium, together with a 5-0 win on this fixture final season.
Manchester Metropolis and Arsenal are the one visiting sides with extra targets on the floor.
01:29pm
Passing of Billy Bonds to unite West Ham supporters
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The passing of Billy Bonds, maybe probably the most cherished determine in West Ham United’s historical past, will certainly have a major impression on the environment on the London Stadium at the moment.
A West Ham-supporting colleague within the press room has informed me he expects the London Stadium to be galvanised and united because of this morning’s information.
Bonds in motion for West Ham in 1985 – Getty Photos /David Cannon
01:26pm
Liverpool’s work-rate beneath the microscope
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Arne Slot made a degree of referencing Liverpool’s spectacular operating stats pre-match, suggesting a few of his gamers beat their season’s greatest in midweek. With respect, for a lot of of them the bar will need to have been very low.
It’s onerous to recall the final time a Liverpool aspect visibly seemed to be working more durable than – and even as onerous as – the opposition.
All eyes could be on Mohamed Salah’s physique language as he grumpily takes his place on the bench, however the variety of sprints and normal health of the likes Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister will affect if Liverpool lastly resemble Premier League champions this afternoon.
01:23pm
Salah benched within the league for first time since April 2024
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For Liverpool followers the headline information right here is that Mohamed Salah has been dropped by Arne Slot. It’s the primary Premier League sport beneath Slot that Salah has not began, which is a exceptional statistic.
Even perhaps extra exceptional is the truth that the final time Salah was dropped for a league sport was in April 2024, right here on the London Stadium. On that event, he argued with Jurgen Klopp on the touchline after which stated: “If I communicate, there might be hearth.”
Mohamed Salah and Jurgen Klopp conflict at West Ham in April 2024 – Reuters /John Sibley
01:20pm
Jamie Carragher: Arne Slot has per week to save lots of his Liverpool job
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Arne Slot has per week to save lots of his job. It’s onerous to consider that sentence is being written, however Liverpool’s subsequent three video games are in opposition to West Ham United, Sunderland and Leeds United. Something fewer than seven factors will make an already unacceptable scenario untenable.
Regardless of how a lot goodwill the supervisor has, Liverpool Soccer Membership can’t maintain the drop in requirements witnessed over the previous three months.
Learn Jamie Carragher’s full column on the present scenario at Liverpool .
01:17pm
Liverpool stay ‘gifted and succesful’, says Nuno
Requested this week about what he anticipates from Liverpool and under-pressure Arne Slot, Nuno Espirito Santo stated: “I don’t know. We are able to anticipate something, particularly groups which can be in European competitions.
“Because of the quantity of video games, we can’t predict the beginning XI. Regardless of who begins, we’re going to face a troublesome XI.”
He added; “They’re a superb group. In soccer, what issues is what you do on the day. What we anticipate is the champions of the Premier League, gamers which can be gifted and able to doing good issues.”
01:12pm
Liverpool’s Premier League hunch
Liverpool have misplaced six of their final seven video games within the league:
27/09 – Crystal Palace 2 Liverpool 1
4/10 – Chelsea 2 Liverpool 1
19/10 – Liverpool 1 Manchester United 2
25/10 – Brentford 3 Liverpool 2
1/11 – Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 0
9/11 – Manchester Metropolis 3 Liverpool 0
22/11 – Liverpool 0 Nottingham Forest 3
Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot – Getty Photos/Glyn Kirk
01:08pm
‘We combat on’ – Slot speaks to house owners after PSV defeat
Arne Slot confirmed on Thursday that he had spoken to the membership’s house owners following Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat at dwelling in opposition to PSV. final
However the Liverpool boss insisted the dialog was no completely different to a standard day, including: “We combat on. We attempt to enhance.”
He stated he’s “in no way” indignant at his gamers and as an alternative needs the main focus to be on “the group and never particular person” performances.
Requested about his aspect shedding for a ninth time in 12 video games, he stated: “Our requirements haven’t been the requirements we’re used to or what we wish. We predict we are able to play higher.”
01:03pm
These line-ups in full
West Ham United: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Diouf; Magassa, Potts, Fernandes; Bowen, Wilson, Paqueta.
Subs: Julio, Fullkrug, Hermansen, Irving, Kilman, Rodriguez, Soucek, Walker-Peters, Guilherme.
Liverpool: Allison; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo.
Subs: Chiesa, Endo, Jones, Ekitike, Salah, Ngumoha, Nyoni, Robertson, Mamardashvili.
12:59pm
Slot makes 4 adjustments, Salah on the bench as Wirtz and Allison return
There are 4 adjustments to the Liverpool group that began within the 4-1 defeat in opposition to PSV within the week as Allison and Wirtz return from harm, instead of Mamardashvili and Salah, who’s on the bench within the league for the primary time since April 2024.
Elsewhere within the group, Isak replaces Ektike up entrance and Gomez is in at right-back instead of Jones.
12:53pm
West Ham make three adjustments, Paqueta begins after suspension
Nuno Espirito Santo has made three adjustments to the West Ham group which began within the draw in opposition to Bournemouth as Mavropanos, Magassa and Paqueta substitute Kilman, Julio and Guilherme.
12:49pm
Liverpool harm information
Arne Slot stated on Thursday that the harm Hugo Ekitike picked up in opposition to PSV “shouldn’t be a giant subject”, however gave no additional particulars.
In the meantime, the Liverpool boss confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson “educated with the group” on Thursday, so is predicted to return this afternoon, whereas Florian Wirtz is also in competition after a two-match spell on the sidelines.
Hugo Ekitike picked up a knock within the defeat in opposition to PSV in midweek – Shutterstock/Adam Vaughan
12:42pm
West Ham harm information
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed this week that Crysencio Summerville and Konstantinos Mavropanos “are getting higher” and that the membership’s medical workers would assess the pair to find out their availability for the go to of Liverpool.
Crysencio Summerville suffered an harm within the win over Burnley – PA/Bradley Collyer
12:35pm
Billy Bonds dies aged 79
Billy Bonds, ’s document look holder and the membership’s former supervisor, has died on the age of 79.
The Bonds household issued an announcement by way of the Premier League membership forward of at the moment’s fixture in opposition to Liverpool to announce that Bonds handed away on Sunday morning, with tributes set to be paid on the London Stadium earlier than kick-off.
“We’re heartbroken to announce that we misplaced our beloved Dad at the moment,” a household assertion learn.
“He was dedicated to his household and was probably the most form, loyal, selfless, and loving individual.
“Dad cherished West Ham United and its great supporters with all his coronary heart and treasured each second of his time on the Membership.
“He’ll at all times be in our hearts and eternally missed. We take consolation realizing that his legacy will stay on ceaselessly.”
Learn extra .
Billy Bonds spent 21 years as a participant for West Ham earlier than managing them between 1990 and 1994 – Reuters/John Sibley
12:30pm
Liverpool look to cease the rot with go to to capital
Good afternoon, and welcome to stay protection of West Ham United vs Liverpool from the Premier League, because the champions look to raise themselves out of disaster and keep away from a fourth defeat on the spin in all competitions.
Arne Slot’s aspect are enduring a disastrous run, having suffered consecutive losses of a three-goal margin in opposition to Manchester Metropolis, Nottingham Forest and PSV, with the newest two matches each coming at Anfield. These disappointing shows are the newest in a catastrophic hunch in kind, with Liverpool having now gained simply three of their final 12 matches in all competitions and shedding six of their final seven video games within the league.
The dramatic drop-off in outcomes has seen them slip from the summit of the league, following the primary six matches of the marketing campaign, all the way in which right down to thirteenth coming into at the moment’s contest on the London Stadium. Nonetheless, given the extremely condensed battle for European spots, three factors this afternoon may see them climb as excessive as fifth, although that may require a major margin of victory.
Slot’s males are at the moment seven factors forward of at the moment’s opponents, with West Ham seventeenth within the desk, avoiding the relegation zone solely due to their superior objective distinction over Leeds United. Nonetheless, the east London aspect are on an upward trajectory, having picked up seven factors from their least three video games after amassing one level from their earlier six.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s males claimed victories over Newcastle United and Burnley earlier than drawing away at Bournemouth final day out, and can now be trying to capitalise on the go to of a susceptible Liverpool aspect. If Nottingham Forest fail to beat Brighton on the Metropolis Floor this afternoon, a win for West Ham will see them climb as much as sixteenth, however extra importantly, it is going to set up a three-point cushion above the drop zone and the struggling sides that occupy it.