Digging Deeper Into Liverpool’s Year Ending Smashing Of West Ham
With an absolute demolition of the Hammers in the books, we take a look at what it means for Arne Slot’s Reds.
Talk about a nice way to end the calendar year. Liverpool were all over the undermanned Hammers from the opening moments, and never really let off the gas in an easy 5-0 win. There was hardly a foot put out of place by the Reds on the evening, with West Ham failing to register a shot until almost 40 minutes into the match.
Below, we take a look at some winners and losers on the night, and attempt to disentangle narrative from fact.
Winners
Closing the Year on a High Note
The match against West Ham was a microcosm of the opening (almost) half of the season as the Reds were slick in possession, lethal in transition, and dominating in the defensive half. Without ever really seeming to exert themselves, Liverpool thrashed the Hammers, scoring 3 goals in the first half and coasting to a 5-0 win. Not a bad way to close out 2024.
Mohamed Salah
This is just getting silly. Mo was yet again on one from the early going, and finished with a goal and two more assists off of seven shots and four key passes. That brings his tally to 20 goals and 17 assists in 26 matches across all competitions. In fact, Salah has not had a goal involvement in only 5 matches he has been involved in. He is averaging an absolutely ludicrous 1.7 goal contributions PER GAME. Just hand the man a blank check already FSG.
Best G+A per 90 minutes in Premier League history, by season: 1.70 - Mohamed Salah 2024-25 1.43 - Erling Haaland 2022-23 1.35 - Sergio Agüero 2013-14 1.31 - Luis Suárez 2013-14 1.29 - Mohamed Salah 2017-18 #WHULIV
— Opta Analyst (@optaanalyst.optajoe.com) 2024-12-29T19:23:52.548Z
The “Supporting Cast”
Mo is the main attraction, but the rest of the attack got plenty of screen time. Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo were both again excellent. Diaz was again playing at the pointy end of the attacking trident, and was in dangerous positions all match. He opened the scoring, and finished with five total shots. Gakpo was fantastic coming off the left, and got his goal as well. Diogo Jota replaced Gakpo and got in on the action, placing a fantastic shot over the goalkeeper and into the top corner for the fifth goal of the match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The Scouse right back had plenty of time and space this match, and he made good use of it. He sprayed ridiculous passes as he typically did, adding another three key passes to his season tally. He managed to find the back of the net from long range thanks to a slight deflection wrong-footing the goalkeeper. Trent also did his defensive duties, putting in four tackles and three clearances on the day.
Curtis Jones
It was another efficient performance from the Scouse midfielder, taking the place of the suspended Dominik Szobozlai in the advance role. Jones was tidy on the ball, yet again completing almost 95% of his passes. He also did well bursting into the box, finishing with two shots on target from two shots total, as well as two key passes. One of those key passes ended with an assist to the incomparable Mohamed Salah. Jones threw in four tackles to lead the team for good measure.
Virgil van Dijk
The captain absolutely nullified the only real attacking threat West Ham had in the form of Jarrod Bowen. The Dutchman played a few magnificent diagonal balls out of the back to start attacks, and even showed off some fancy footwork with two dribbles completed.
Literally Every Other Liverpool Player
I could sit here for hours highlighting just how good each player was on the day. Instead I’ll just say the Reds are mustard.
Losers
Joe Gomez
Absolutely gutted for Gomez, who had to be substituted off in the first half after pulling up with a hamstring injury. Gomez has been sensational since stepping in for the injured Ibrahima Konaté, and was stellar again in the early going against West Ham. Let’s hope it’s not too serious of an injury as the depth of the squad will certainly be tested as they charge forward in four competitions.
From the Manager
“Mo and the word extraordinary is something I’ve heard a lot in the last six months. He truly deserves this and probably for the eight years, but I am involved in the last half year. I don’t think he keeps surprising us because we know what a player he is and we know he is able to do so.”
-Arne Slot on Mohamed Salah
What Happens Next
Liverpool get a week break to rest and celebrate the new year, as well as a sizeable lead at the top of the Premier League. The Reds will be back for the opening fixture of 2025, hosting a struggling Manchester United. Mohamed Salah is licking his lips right now.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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