West Ham outfought and out-thought Liverpool to leapfrog their opponents into third in the Premier League with a 3-2 victory, ending the Reds’ 25-game unbeaten run.
It was the archetypal West Ham performance, punctuated with potency on the counter-attack and physicality at set-pieces, in what is turning out to be another outstanding season for David Moyes’ side.
West Ham took the lead with their first attack as Pablo Fornals’ corner skimmed off the glove of Alisson and into the net (4), going down as an own goal despite a VAR check for a potential foul. Moments later, Aaron Cresswell was fortunate not to see red for a studs up challenge on Jordan Henderson, also checked by VAR.
Liverpool dominated the ball and equalised just before the break, however, as Trent Alexander-Arnold sent a stunning free-kick into the top corner from 20 yards (41), the first-half’s only shot on target.
The game opened up in the second half as Fornals put West Ham ahead again, slotting under Alisson after brilliant work from Jarrod Bowen to put him through on goal (67), although questions will be asked again of Liverpool’s high defensive line.
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West Ham’s power was too much for Liverpool as they grabbed a third through Kurt Zouma’s header from a Bowen corner (74), and although sub Divock Origi made for a nervy finish with a turn and finish (83), West Ham held on.
It is their fourth straight victory, moving them to within just three points of leaders Chelsea, while Liverpool were beaten for the first time since early April, and the first time since March in the league.
Full report to follow
What’s next?
West Ham go to Wolves after the international fortnight at 3pm on Saturday November 20, while Liverpool host Arsenal on Saturday Night Football on November 20, live on Sky Sports Premier League.