Liverpool 4-1 West Ham United: 5 Talking Points

West Ham United felt the wrath of Liverpool’s front three at Anfield as the hosts romped to a 4-1 win to climb up to second in the league table. Going into the game, Liverpool were heavy favourites to win as they’ve been in sparkling form of late.

Goals from Emre Can, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino put the Reds in a commanding position before Michail Antonio managed to pull one back. The hosts never stopped attacking, though, and added a fourth when Sadio Mane tapped in from a close range.

The margin of the win means Liverpool will stay in the second position unless Manchester United beat Chelsea in today’s heavyweight clash. On that note, here are the key talking points from the game…

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#5 Emre Can runs the show from the midfield

The midseason training camp at Marbella was a much-needed break the side needed, but it seems the break had the biggest impact on Emre Can. The German played at the centre of the park and was almost unstoppable on the afternoon.

Early on, Liverpool seemed a bit sluggish when in possession as the passes were a bit slow and that allowed West Ham the time to get back in shape. But as the game went on, Can began to use his passing and driving ability from the midfield to good effect.

His passes to pick out the wingers were sublime and he also put in a shift off the ball, having recorded three tackles in the game.

Can opened the scoring with a header from a Mo Salah corner and his sublime pass found Firmino who rounded the keeper to make it three. It’s about time Liverpool tie Can down a new contract as time is running out.

#4 West Ham’s ageing defence is a big worry

Zabaleta takes a throw in

James Collins – 34, Pablo Zabaleta – 33, Patrice Evra – 36; a backline that old can hardly compete with a front three of Mane, Firmino and Salah. While there will be games where the experience of the defenders will come into play, West Ham know that they’ll struggle towards the end of games as their defence simply doesn’t have the legs.

In the modern day game, the role of wingbacks has become ever so important not only at the back but also while attacking. West Ham have managed just 35 goals so far this season, and need more creativity. If their fullbacks are this old, they can’t be expected to make those lung-bursting runs to create something.

Andy Robertson showed yesterday the threat a good fullback can provide. Right now, West Ham’s fullbacks are more of a liability.

#3 Andy Robertson has become indispensable

Robertson has been consistently good

Yes, we need to talk about the Scot. There was a time when Liverpool, even when in form, struggled to deal with tight defences. Sadio Mane and Mo Salah need space at times, and the absence of good fullbacks sort of shackled them.

The reason is players like Robertson, who can stretch the play on the wide areas, provide players like Mane with more room to work with in the half spaces. While that is one of the ways Robertson has helped the team, the other is his ability to whip in a smashing cross.

His assist for Mane’s goal was sublime and if he keeps continuing that way, Alberto Moreno might struggle to get a look in.

#2 Liverpool still need to learn how to close out games

Klopp looks on

Don’t get me wrong, they scored a fourth to avoid any late drama, but Liverpool still had to keep out West Ham on a few occasions.

Against a team in the lower half of the table, it’s alright to continue attacking, but we’ve seen games where the side are still a bit over-zealous and try to attack when they should be keeping the ball and mentally tire their opposition.

The goal Liverpool conceded was due to the team losing possession in midfield, trying to attack West Ham. An out of shape defence didn’t have any chance the moment their side lost the ball, so perhaps Klopp needs to tweak the way his side approach games when they are already a few goals up.

#1 The Oxlade-Chamberlain role…

Liverpool v West Ham United - Premier League

It’s wrong to presume that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a direct replacement for the departed Philippe Coutinho. There are two very different players. However, the reason why many believe he can fill in the void is because of what the end product is.

Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t going to give you a lot of goals or assists, nor is he as composed on the ball as Coutinho, but his energy and drive in midfield could help the side against select opposition.

Chamberlain’s assist for Salah’s goal kind of summed up the type of player he is; never afraid to burst forward and take on defenders. Not many can brush aside Cheikhou Kouyaté and then still have the composure to find a pass despite losing their footing.

The only downside of Oxlade-Chamberlain is his consistency. After the game against Manchester City, he hasn’t been able to dominate games. If he can get that right, Liverpool will have one hell of a player in their ranks.