Following the significant changes made to the lineup of Liverpool in the Europa League on Thursday, the team returned to their preferred starting XI, featuring eight key players. The only exception was the absence of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold.
This lineup closely resembled the one that played in Liverpool’s previous home game against Aston Villa, with Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz leading the attack.
You know what time it is…✊ pic.twitter.com/g01vBWLgCu
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 24, 2023
Despite this, West Ham began the match strongly, and Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson, made an impressive early save to keep the visitors at bay. West Ham enjoyed a good spell of possession early in the game.
However, Liverpool managed to break through, with Diaz and Nunez combining to create a situation where Mohamed Salah was fouled by Aguerd, resulting in a clear penalty that the Egyptian confidently converted.
Mo's recent record against the Hammers 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/RlsLGGe4zH
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 24, 2023
Liverpool initially appeared to be in control, but just before halftime, Jarrod Bowen scored a superb diving header from a right-sided cross to equalize for West Ham. Shortly thereafter, Curtis Jones found the back of the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Meanwhile, Nunez tested the opposing goalkeeper with a shot following a pass from Salah.
Mohamed Salah vs West Hampic.twitter.com/hKV06vHPL5
— 26 (@_wingplay) September 24, 2023
Liverpool had a golden opportunity to regain the lead early in the second half but squandered it when Nunez missed the target with a shockingly inaccurate shot after a patient build-up.
On the other end, West Ham had their chances, with Bowen having a free header from a James Ward-Prowse free-kick, as Liverpool allowed the set-piece specialist several opportunities in the box.
The match was an intense battle between two strong teams. Liverpool eventually retook the lead when Nunez displayed remarkable composure, delicately finishing a pass from Alexis Mac Allister with a controlled shot at the Kop end.
This goal lifted Liverpool’s spirits, and they began to assert greater control over the game, with Salah delivering some beautiful passes from wide positions. Jurgen Klopp’s trust in new signing Ryan Gravenberch was evident when the Dutchman made his home debut in the final 15 minutes of the match.
West Ham made efforts to get back into the game, but Liverpool secured the victory when Virgil van Dijk headed down a corner from Andrew Robertson, and Diogo Jota, who had come off the bench, tapped the ball home from close range, displaying poacher-like instincts.
Liverpool’s quest to keep pace with Manchester City, who had won all six of their opening league games, was not an easy task. However, Liverpool managed to win five of their first six games, staying right behind Manchester City in the standings.
