Liverpool started their Premier League campaign in style as they dismantled West Ham in a 4-0 win. The Hammers had no answer to Liverpool’s pace, movement and guile. Mo Salah, Sadio Mane (brace) and Daniel Sturridge got on the scoresheet as Jürgen Klopp’s men won comprehensively to top the league after game week one.
Here are the Liverpool player ratings:
Alisson Becker: (7/10)
His distribution was commendable but he had nothing to do in the whole game.
Virgil van Dijk: (8/10)
A commanding presence in the defence. He read the game well and did not put a foot wrong all game.
Joe Gomez: (7/10)
It was a comfortable afternoon for the youngster. Looked calm and composed in possession. Did have a moment of lapse in concentration when he misread an Ogbonna pass for Arnautovic, but barring that, he looked alright.
Andrew Robertson: (8/10)
Notched up an assist after a brilliant drilled cross for Mo Salah to tap in from 2 yards. Made a lot of overlapping runs and offered width on the left-hand side allowing Sadio Mane to drift inside. Won the corner which resulted in the fourth goal scored by Daniel Sturridge.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: (7/10)
The full-back was lively on the right and offered an attacking outlet. He was defensively sound and did not commit any errors. His crossing could have been better but it was a good performance by the youngster nonetheless.
Gini Wijnaldum: (7/10)
The Dutch international had a very good game and offered energy and tenacity from deep. He also popped up in attacking situations and had 3 attempts on goal.
Naby Keita: (7/10)
Keita made an encouraging start to his career in the Premier League. He made his typical forward drives, was steady in possession and did not make any silly challenges. He linked up well with the attackers with quick exchanges and played Robertson in who crossed for Salah to score the first goal. Looks like he could well be the player the fans have been craving for in that number 8 shirt after Gerrard’s departure.
James Milner: (8/10)
The “MR CONSISTENT” put in another stellar performance and just keeps on getting better season after season. He displayed his excellent work rate and dictated the play by showcasing his wide passing range. Milner also provided the assist for Mane’s first goal.
Mo Salah: (8/10)
Salah picked off from where he left last season. He scored a poacher’s goal as he positioned himself in the right place for Robertson’s cross. The Egyptian terrorised the West Ham defence with his quick feet and lightning quick pace. He showed tremendous work ethic tracking back and helping out young TAA. He drifted inside and displayed good combination play with Firmino and Mane.
Sadio Mane: (9/10)
Mane was arguably Liverpool’s best attacker and scored a brilliant brace. He looked threatening whenever he touched the ball and his direct running and quick change in direction while dribbling.
Roberto Firmino: (7/10)
The Brazilian showed good movement and at times shifted to the right allowing Salah to play more centrally. Came close to scoring in the first half from one of Milner’s crosses and was replaced in the 68th minute by Jordan Henderson.
Substitutes
Jordan Henderson: (6/10)
Slotted in the holding midfield role giving Wijnaldum the freedom to move further forward.
Daniel Sturridge: (6/10)
Scored with his very first touch of the game. If fit, he could be a useful option.
Xherdan Shaqiri: N/A
Came late on for his debut.
