Despite West Ham’s awful past record at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp would’ve been a tad worried ahead of this clash- the latter had spent almost £100m in the summer window, and in Manuel Pellegrini, had acquired a manager who was Premier League proven- the Chilean was Man City gaffer when they won the league title in 2014.
Most of those fears were unfounded as the Reds coasted to a 4-0 win at Anfield. They were electric in the first half, and took their foot off the pedal in the second, with the game over as a contest by the hour mark. Perhaps the best debut Alisson could’ve asked for in goal- he barely had a save?
How did Naby Keita perform?
Very, very well. He has the same jersey number as the legendary Steven Gerrard and showed enough to indicate he could be a club legend if he stays long enough.
Where did Liverpool play Keita?
Keita started on the left side of a three man midfield, with Wijnaldum in the cnetre and Milner on the right. When Sadio Mane was substituted, Keita moved ahead to play on the left side of Liverpool’s three pronged attack.
(via Twitter)
Check out Keita’s role in Liverpool’s first goal and the tactics they employed to get him into space.
Mane was equally impressive scoring twice (one of them was offside though!)
How did Joe Gomez go?
Gomez was chosen to partner Van Dijk in the absence of Lovren and Klavan, and gave a decent account of himself, shutting out Marko Arnautovic.
How did James Milner play?
Milner seems to be ageing like fine wine. He started the game as Liverpool captain, handing the band to Henderson when the latter came in. As a teenager with Leeds, Milner’s first game was against West Ham, and he thoroughly enjoyed himself against Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
As good an afternoon as Jurgen Klopp could’ve asked for. Salah with the opening goal, Mane with two, and Sturridge with the last, scoring with his first touch off the bench!
