Liverpool climbed up to third in the table after securing an impressive win over high-flying West Ham United.
After defeats to Burnley and Manchester United, it seemed as though Liverpool were heading for a downward trajectory, but an impressive display against the Hammers sees the Reds re-enter the title race.
Here are our Liverpool player match ratings as two moments of brilliance from Mohamed Salah helped Jurgen Klopp’s side to a 3-1 victory.
Mohamed Salah Scores Twice in Win Over West Ham
Liverpool Player Match Ratings
(out of 10)
Goalkeeper
Alisson- 7
This was one of the Brazilians quieter games in a Liverpool shirt but he will be frustrated not to keep a clean sheet. Alisson played the sweeper-keeper role brilliantly to stop a few dangerous balls forward after the Hammers looked to take advantage over the lack of pace in Jordan Henderson and Nathaniel Phillips.
Defenders
The left-back had an unusually poor game offensively by his standards, failing to connect with any of his four attempted crosses however he was superb defensively. Robertson’s marking of the dangerous Jarrod Bowen allowed his side to nullify the opposition out of the game and made a vital clearance to deny West Ham in the first half.
Jordan Henderson – 7
Another excellent display from the Liverpool skipper, who is growing more and more comfortable in the centre-back role every week. His communication is vital in keeping the inexperienced Phillips focused and he could be heard barking orders, even the length of the pitch at Divock Origi.
Nathaniel Phillips – 8
The young defender dealt with the challenge of Michail Antonio admirably, limiting the West Ham striker to only 23 touches and only one shot on target. After the young Rhys Williams‘ struggles last weekend, Phillips should finally establish himself as the better of the inexperienced duo.
Another solid performance from the right-back who looks back to his best after a difficult first half of the season. He also found Xherdan Shaqiri with a clever pass during the move for the opener.
Midfielders
A recent switch to a more defensive midfield position seems to have revived Wijnaldum over the past two games. Playing at the foot of a diamond in the first half and alongside James Milner in the second, the Dutchman was key in a midfield battle in which Liverpool dominated and popped up with the goal to seal the victory late on.
Thiago Alacantara – 7
Now playing in a more advanced midfield role, Thiago has been able to show his unique creativity in Liverpool’s trips to London. The Spanish midfielder has been getting up to speed with the Premier League and now it finally looks like Liverpool are getting up to speed with 29-year-old playmaker.
James Milner – 6
Two rare starts in a row this season for Milner, so he might have been forgiven for a lack of energy but he defied his age and was Liverpool’s main midfield runner in the first half. He was sloppy in the second however and although Milner clearly disagreed his substitution was probably justified.
Attackers
Mohamed Salah – 9
Salah’s second-half performance backed up his reputation as one of the best players the Premier League has to offer. Two supreme goals were both as skilled as each other. The first one, a brilliant finish after cutting in from the right, is his trademark but the second one, a classy dink over goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski’s leg following a fantastic touch from Shaqiri’s through ball was the pick of the bunch.
Divock Origi – 7
This was one of Origi’s best performances in recent months. He was making quality runs throughout the game and could’ve easily scored on a couple of occasions. If the knock that forced him of is serious it would be a real blow to an attack already missing Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota.
Xherdan Shaqiri- 8
Criticized for playing “walking football” in the first half by the commentators in the Sky Sports studio, Shaqiri silenced the critics in the second. A beautiful ball to Salah for the second proved his world-class passing ability. The midfielder has finally managed to stay injury-free for a spell and his performances are improving as a result.
Subsitutions
- Curtis Jones – 8
- Roberto Firmino – 8
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7
Man of the Match – Mohamed Salah
Salah was a constant threat all game and with two goals is the obvious choice for the award. Those two goals also take him two clear at the top of the golden boot as he looks to win his third in four years.