Liverpool vs West Ham LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Liverpool look to continue winning run as they welcome West Ham to Anfield
If Sunday’s win over Manchester City is to be the springboard that Liverpool’s stuttering season required, then perhaps this rather more sedate victory over West Ham United can provide the same for their marquee summer signing. The hope will be that Darwin Nunez’s first Anfield goal is a catalyst for a career that is beginning to show shoots of potential, if this match-winning display is anything to go by.
Nunez’s first-half header proved enough to overcome a West Ham side that, by the end, had done enough to earn a point. If Jarrod Bowen had converted a penalty on the cusp of half time, they may have even taken all three, given that they were the more dangerous of the two sides in the second half. Yet David Moyes was left to rue missed chances, especially a late Tomas Soucek opportunity that somehow did not earn them an equaliser.
Liverpool’s task for the evening was to ensure Sunday was not another false dawn in the manner that the wins over Newcastle United and Ajax proved to be. Klopp kept faith in the shape that inflicted Manchester City’s first defeat of the season but switched personnel. Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of five changes, making his first start since recovering from injury, while Diogo Jota’s calf problem brought Nunez into the line-up.
The Uruguayan’s chaotic late cameo against City went largely unremarked upon in all the bad blood post-match, though enough of the away end here saw it judging by their early suggestion that he is an inferior version of Andy Carroll. West Ham provided Carroll with an escape route out of Anfield after the failure of his £35million move, of course, but Nunez quickly made his case that he will be following the same path.
Follow all the reaction to Liverpool vs West Ham:
12’ - Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
Counter-attack for the Reds and it briefly looks promising but Nunez’s attempted cross to Salah is short and cut out.
Thiago dominating proceedings at the moment. West Ham more or less matching up 4-4-2 off the ball, but the Reds’ double pivot is winning the early battle.
Cresswell tries to cross but Alexander-Arnold gets back to stop him.
8’ - Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
Early advances by Trent Alexander-Arnold down the right; one cross now is well held by Fabianski with Nunez lurking, while another cross almost found Carvalho in space.
Thiago and Henderson controlling possession in the middle of the park so far - although Alisson has again given possession away and is lucky to escape.
4' - Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
Poor kick out by Alisson Becker almost gifts West Ham a chance straight away - but Van Dijk is in place to clear.
At the other end, Darwin Nunez is annoyed at the referee’s assistant at not getting a corner.
Probably not what the Reds need to be seen doing tonight!
Liverpool vs West Ham latest news
The players are out and we are almost ready to go.
A full house at Anfield and yes, both managers on the touchline. Klopp is not banned tonight, he has a conduct charge which he must answer by Friday.
Liverpool vs West Ham latest news
Moyes ahead of kick-off:
“We’re looking better but this is a tough game, we’ll have to play very well.
“Paqueta has a serious injury - not sure how long it’s going to keep him out yet. We’re really disappointed to lose him.
“Downes is certainly ready. It’s up to him to show it on the big stage, we like him a lot. Hopefully he can help us tonight.
“Zouma had a bad virus, so it’s never that easy to get back on it but he’s been in training a couple of days.”
Liverpool vs West Ham latest news
We are 15 minutes from kick-off at Anfield.
Neither of these clubs have yet managed to string three league wins in a row together this season - the Reds are looking for their second in a few days tonight, while the Hammers will hope for a third win in four.
A big game awaits.
Liverpool vs West Ham latest news
Jurgen Klopp ahead of kick-off:
“It’s a challenge after a super intense game, three days later to be at your best again.
“Not so much to do with the name of the opponent, it’s just the situation. We couldn’t respect more what David Moyes is doing.
“We don’t have the Nottingham Forest game in our mind but we know we play again in a few days. That’s why we make changes.”
Liverpool vs West Ham latest news
The Reds’ recent improvement in form has not yet translated into Premier League consistency but three points tonight could send them into the top five if results go their way.
West Ham had a slow start too and were in the bottom three early on this term, but are now 13th - a win could see them go as high as eighth, where Liverpool sit ahead of kick-off.
Liverpool vs West Ham latest news
Recent form for both teams:
Liverpool
Won 1-0 vs Man City
Won 7-1 vs Rangers (CL)
Lost 3-2 vs Arsenal
Won 2-0 vs Rangers (CL)
Drew 3-3 vs Brighton
West Ham
Drew 1-1 vs Southampton
Won 2-1 vs Anderlecht (ECL)
Won 3-1 vs Fulham
Won 1-0 vs Anderlecht (ECL)
Won 2-0 vs Wolves
Lost 1-0 vs Everton
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