A damning scoreline, but one that doesn’t truly reflect the game.
The Hammers trembled their way to Anfield this morning to embark on what many had already anticipated to be a miserable journey. It’s a side that some would arguably say is West Ham’s biggest ‘write off’ each season, given that West Ham haven’t won at Anfield in over a decade…
Nuno and Paco decided to go with an unchanged side, which makes sense given that the hall of players the club has doesn’t necessarily open up different game plans to kickstart the game with.
Five minutes into the match and Liverpool confirmed our worst thoughts, and from that point onwards, it was a never-ending spiral until the Referee blew the whistle for half-time. Three set pieces, three shots, three goals! A brutal blow for the Hammers, given that they had performed rather well going into halftime, but clinical ability was once again missing. Taty was totally isolated upfront and Bowen as well as Summerville had moments of misfortune which on another day could’ve been otherwise.
Soucek and Taty brought in moments of glimmer through scoring twice, but Liverpool hit back harder. 2-2 in the second half, but Slot’s side were clinical from setpieces, which ultimately was what separated both teams. To walk away from the game and say that West Ham played horribly would be very unfair. Nuno’s side consistently put pressure on Liverpool and against another side, the result could’ve very easily been different.
To concede five goals is never glamorous, but there have been games where the Hammers have conceded five and looked nothing short of dire. It was a toothless performance, but there’s still some teeth chattering against one another.
Wide eyes now remain open for results elsewhere, as it’ll be a fateful Sunday as to whether West Ham’s survival hopes will be helped or hindered. - LN
