Liverpool faced West Ham United with the Reds unbeaten in their last 6 Premier League games and the big news of the day was Daniel Sturridge was back in the squad for Liverpool while Steven Gerrard was not even included in the squad for the game since he was carrying a bit of a hamstring injury.
West Ham United had ex-Liverpool players, Stewart Downing & Andy Carroll coming back to Anfield and it was Carroll who was looking to create a lot of problems for the Liverpool defence and hopefully lead his side to victory.
Liverpool played with their 3-4-3 partnership, with Lallana coming into the side as a front three of Coutinho, Lallana and Sterling looked to create all sorts of issues for the Hammers.
A battle on the cards
The game started with a flailing elbow by Andy Carroll on Emre Can, the tone was set for a West Ham performance which was going to be all about using their strength. Liverpool relied on the quickness of their front three and some bright link up play gave Coutinho a shot on goal but Adrian did well to keep the ball out when Coutinho shot at the near post.
The game was littered with fouls from both teams with Liverpool being able to play with better rhythm but the West Ham defence were able to deal with almost everything the Reds threw at them in the first half. The half ended with Liverpool feeling that they should have had a penalty when Raheem Sterling was brought down but play continued and Lazar Markovic had a golden chance to give the Reds the lead but he shot wide, the sides heading into the half time break inseparable but Liverpool had the better chances in the game.
Second half more Red firepower
The second half began with Liverpool continuing their assault on the West Ham defence and they got their rewards in the 52nd minute when Raheem Sterling chested the ball and Coutinho chipped a lovely ball to Sterling who scored low past Adrain to make it 1-0 to Liverpool. It was the right reward for Liverpool and especially for Sterling and Coutinho, who looked the brightest players in the game.
Andy Carroll was at it again with a late challenge on Emre Can which got him into the book in the 60th minute, as West Ham tried to get a hold of the game once again. West Ham brought on Carlton Cole and his presence allowed Enner Valencia to get a rasping shot at Liverpool’s goal but it was held by Simon Mignolet to keep Liverpool in the lead.
It was Henderson who shot wide before the loudest cheers of the day came as Daniel Sturridge was brought on to replace Lazar Markovic in the 67th minute. Sturridge made the difference with a beautifully taken goal, the hard work was done by Coutinho who took the ball from midfield, twisted and passed it into Sturridge, who scored with a low and hard strike to make it 2-0 in the 80th minute.
Liverpool’s Coutinho was given a warm reception as he was substituted by another young talent, Jordan Ibe. Ibe went close as he too tested Adrian, who saved well from the teenager but the ball broke to Sturridge, who just shot wide.
West Ham had to finish the game with 10 men as they had already used up all their substitutes and centre back Winston Reid left the game due to injury, this was particularly telling for West Ham, who lost Tomkins and Collins to injury as well. West Ham thought they got a consolation but Joey O’Brein’s header was ruled out as Simon Mignolet was being fouled. Liverpool continued their unbeaten run, which now runs to 7 games and they will be happy with Sturridge coming back to goal scoring form.
Picture courtesy: Express