Liverpool 2-1 West Ham: Five Talking Points

Just as they had a week earlier, the Reds fell behind against West Ham United at Anfield, but Salah’s penalty tied them before the break and Jota, who came on as a substitute in the second half, continued his good scoring. when scoring a late goal. .

Here are five talking points from the contest …

Jota’s unforgettable week

A third game in the space of a week at Anfield brought a vital third goal from Jota’s summer signing.

After sealing last Saturday’s comeback against Sheffield United and then breaking the deadlock in the midweek Champions League brawl with FC Midtjylland, the Portuguese goal of producing a winner beyond the Hammers seemed to have been thwarted. briefly.

His conversion as an effort by Sadio Mane rebounded after a VAR review, but when an exquisite threaded pass from fellow substitute Xherdan Shaqiri offered him a second chance in the 85th minute, Jota did not refuse again.

The number 20 waited for Lukasz Fabianski to commit before launching a sumptuous finish inside the near left post and securing three points that moved Liverpool to the top of the table.

It was a fourth goal in nine appearances for Jota since he joined six weeks ago and is the first red since Luis Garcia in 2004 to score in each of his first three league games at home.

“Diogo is in a good time!” radiant Jürgen Klopp.

Anfield record equaled

Liverpool are now undefeated in the last 63 league matches played at Anfield, equaling the club’s all-time record set between 1978 and 1981 with Bob Paisley.

It was in April 2017 that the Reds were last defeated at home in the top flight; They have followed 52 incredible wins and 11 draws in such matches in L4.

The Klopp crop will have a chance to set a new LFC benchmark in three weeks if they can avoid defeat when Leicester City visit the Premier League.

This current unbeaten streak is surpassed by only one other in top flight history in England: Chelsea’s 86-game streak through 2008.

Phillips stands out in his PL debut

The coach reflected on multiple options to replace Fabinho in central defense when he discussed the issue in his pre-match press conference.

But after confirming that Nathaniel Phillips was the man chosen to accompany Joe Gomez against the Hammers, Klopp detailed why it was “ an easy decision actually ” to select the 23-year-old who spent the 2019-20 season on loan. the VfB Stuttgart.

Phillips returned to Anfield midway through last season to debut in the FA Cup win over Everton, but had never been in the Premier League before.

“Nat is obviously the most experienced of the guys,” the boss said before kickoff. “There was no need to put a midfielder there, we have the means.

“Rhys [Williams] He did well, but Nat is not in contention, or not on the roster, for the Champions League, so if Rhys played today and things like that …

“Nat looks good in training. He is a true challenger, he loves one-on-one situations, well in the air. It is a special day for him, one hundred percent. “

And Klopp’s conviction in Phillips was reflected in an accomplished performance by the defender, who was later named Man of the Match on a day when described as a childhood dream fulfilled.

The No. 47 led his team’s statistics in aerial duels (nine), punts (nine) and interceptions (two) as the hosts made their way to the Premier League summit.

Meanwhile, his authoritative header from West Ham’s corner in the 95th minute, was as satisfying as Jota’s clinical winner at the other end.

Perfect sanctions

Salah’s penalty shot late in the first half further extended Liverpool’s successful penalty streak, which now stands at 18 in all competitions (excluding shootouts).

The Reds haven’t wasted an opportunity since 12 yards since Mane missed against Red Star Belgrade in October 2018.

On a personal level, Salah has scored each of his last 13 penalties for the club – including four so far this season – and has not missed in more than three years.

The Egyptian has quickly reached seven league goals in 2020-21 and only Fernando Torres (eight in 2009-10) has achieved more for Liverpool in the first seven games of a Premier League campaign.

Trent brings the century in style

Saturday’s game represented a historic occasion for Academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold in his 100th Premier League appearance.

Just under four years after his top flight debut as a substitute against Middlesbrough in December 2016, the full-back celebrated a century.

He did so, once again, with a win, which was the 77th win of his first 100 league games, a tally second only to Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson in the division.

Alexander-Arnold has amassed 27 assists, six goals, 744 crosses, 5,717 passes and a champion’s medal during that span.