Liverpool kicked off their Carabao Cup defence with a commanding 5-1 victory over West Ham United, marking an emphatic performance from the Reds despite some late drama. With goals from Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo, Arne Slot’s side flexed their attacking muscles. However, not everything went smoothly for Liverpool, as Darwin Nunez struggled to find the back of the net, adding to the brewing competition for attacking positions.
Jota and Gakpo: The Heroes of the Night
Diogo Jota, back in the starting lineup after being benched against Bournemouth, showcased why he remains a top choice for Liverpool. His opener came at a critical moment after Jarell Quansah’s own goal put West Ham ahead. Jota reacted quickly to a Federico Chiesa strike, heading it into the net to level the game. His second goal, just after half-time, highlighted his clinical nature in front of goal, neatly slotting home a pass from Curtis Jones.
Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, was a constant threat down the left flank. The Dutchman contributed to Jota’s first goal and capped his performance with two late strikes, capitalizing on West Ham’s defensive lapses following Edson Alvarez’s red card. His positioning and finishing were on point, earning him a well-deserved brace and pushing his case for a regular starting spot.
Darwin Nunez’s Struggles Continue
Despite the brilliant performances from Jota and Gakpo, Darwin Nunez’s night was less fruitful. The Uruguayan had a spectacular goal against Bournemouth, but he couldn’t replicate that form against West Ham. While he played a part in the build-up to the equalizer and Gakpo’s first goal, Nunez never looked like scoring himself. His inability to capitalize on chances leaves questions about his place in Liverpool’s fearsome forward line, especially with Jota and Gakpo firing on all cylinders.
The Defence: A Mixed Bag
Liverpool’s defence wasn’t without its issues. Quansah’s own goal was unfortunate, but he struggled at times to contain West Ham’s Michail Antonio, picking up a yellow card in the process. Joe Gomez, given the captain’s armband for the night, performed admirably at centre-back, winning key duels and leading the backline. Conor Bradley also showed promise, contributing to Liverpool’s third goal and offering a reliable outlet down the right.
However, Kostas Tsimikas had a tougher time. While his deliveries from set-pieces were dangerous, he found himself troubled by Jarrod Bowen’s pace and trickery. It wasn’t the most comfortable night for Liverpool’s left-back.
Midfield: Solid but Not Spectacular
Wataru Endo, tasked with shielding the defence, was effective at retaining and recovering possession, but the Japanese international will be disappointed to have played a part in the own goal that put West Ham ahead. Curtis Jones, on the other hand, was more impressive, particularly in the second half. His driving run and assist for Jota’s second goal were standout moments, showing his ability to break the lines and contribute offensively.
Federico Chiesa, on his full debut for Liverpool, also had a lively performance. His assist for Jota’s equalizer may have been an attempt on goal, but it showed his instinctive play. A cheeky nutmeg on West Ham’s Coufal was the highlight of Chiesa’s night before he was substituted just before the hour mark.
Salah’s Impact Off the Bench
Mohamed Salah came off the bench and immediately made an impact. His goal came from a rebound, demonstrating his sharpness and awareness in the box. Salah also played a part in the red card for Edson Alvarez, drawing the foul that saw the West Ham man dismissed. Salah’s introduction injected more pace and energy into Liverpool’s attack, ensuring that the game was comfortably put to bed.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Masterclass
Arne Slot deserves credit for the way he managed this game. His decision to start Jota alongside Nunez paid off, with the Portuguese international contributing two crucial goals. Slot’s ability to rotate his squad while still maintaining Liverpool’s attacking potency speaks volumes about his tactical acumen. While there are still defensive issues to address, particularly concerning Quansah’s development and Tsimikas’ vulnerabilities, the Dutchman will be pleased with the overall performance.
FAQs
Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo both scored twice, while Mohamed Salah added another for a 5-1 victory.
Darwin Nunez struggled to find the net despite being involved in the build-up to some goals. His place in the starting lineup remains uncertain.
Liverpool won 5-1 against West Ham in the Carabao Cup.
Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo were the standout players, each scoring twice and contributing significantly to Liverpool’s victory.
Yes, Mohamed Salah came off the bench and scored a goal while also drawing the foul that led to Edson Alvarez’s red card.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s 5-1 victory over West Ham in the Carabao Cup highlighted the fierce competition for attacking spots under Arne Slot. With Jota and Gakpo both delivering outstanding performances, Darwin Nunez has his work cut out to retain his place in the starting lineup. While Liverpool’s attacking options look as potent as ever, some defensive concerns remain, especially with Quansah’s struggles. Nonetheless, Slot’s tactical decisions and the overall team performance showed that Liverpool are serious contenders in the competition.
