Two birds with one stone. This Saturday, the Reds won against West Ham (1-0) on behalf of the 28th day of the Premier League. Jürgen Klopp’s players thus return to three points behind leader Manchester City, a few hours before a fiery Manchester derby (Sunday, 5.30 p.m.), while taking their revenge on the Hammers, victorious in the first leg (3 -2) in London. After a vibrant tribute paid by Anfield and the actors of the game in support of Ukraine, attacked by Russia, the two teams delivered a rhythmic and committed game.
Mohamed Salah quickly failed in front of Łukasz Fabiański (2nd) before lacking precision in the area (12th), while the main danger on the Hammers side was named Michail Antonio, forcing Alisson to deploy twice (14th, 22nd). The light came from the feet of Sadio Mané, on the lookout for a center shot from Trent Alexander-Arnold, best passer in Her Majesty’s Kingdom (11 assists) ahead of his Egyptian teammate. The score then did not move before the break, the fault of Aaron Cresswell (38th) then TAA a few moments later (39th), authors of two superb saves on their line.
Liverpool not in a big night, West Ham do not take advantage
Upon returning from the locker room, West Ham quickly took a hit behind the head when they saw Jarrod Bowen, one of his best players this season, out on injury after contact with Andy Robertson (53rd). Holder in the attacking trio, Luis Diaz made a strong impression on him during this meeting. Like a fish in water, he appeared very involved defensively, especially in counter-pressing, while being untenable offensively, like this 60-meter rush irregularly stopped by a still heckled Kurt Zouma (31st). He also lacked precision, as on this collective class action (37th), on several occasions (64th, 75th).
The chambering of Liverpool supporters with regard to Kurt Zouma! ????????#LIVWHU #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/9NxaOGCGFZ
– Foot Market (@footmercato) March 5, 2022
David Moyes’ band may regret its lack of sharpness in the danger zone. The most striking example, a big miss from Manuel Lanzini (69th), yet at close range the cages kept clean for the 14th time in the 2021-2022 financial year by the Brazilian goalkeeper of the Reds in the league. Michail Antonio procrastinated too much (80th). Once again, when Sadio Mané scores, Liverpool don’t lose this season and no, the title race is not over in the Premier League thanks to this 7th success in a row. WHU, for its part, sees precious points fly away in its quest for Europe and the Champions League. The end of the season promises.
