The battle for starting positions in Arne Slot’s attacking lineup is intensifying, while defensive depth appears less solid. Liverpool launched their Carabao Cup title defense with a resounding 5-1 victory over 10-man West Ham at Anfield, featuring standout performances from Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo, both scoring twice.
own goal by Jarell Quansah, Jota equalized with a well-timed header from Federico Chiesa’s effort. He quickly added another just after halftime, assisted by Curtis Jones. Mohamed Salah came off the bench to extend the lead to 3-1, and after Edson Alvarez’s dismissal for a second yellow card, Gakpo sealed the victory with two late strikes.
Player Ratings:
- Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10): Showed reliability throughout, making several crucial saves, though he couldn’t do anything about the own goal.
- Conor Bradley (7/10): Provided a goal-saving intervention before the own goal and was a dynamic presence down the right flank, contributing to the third goal.
- Joe Gomez (6/10): Excelled in his rare start at center-back, winning key duels and leading with the captain’s armband.
- Jarell Quansah (5/10): The own goal wasn’t entirely his fault, and despite some strong clearances, he struggled to contain Antonio.
- Kostas Tsimikas (6/10): Delivered dangerous set-piece balls and supported the attack, though he faced challenges defensively from Bowen.
- Wataru Endo (5.5/10): Solid in regaining possession but bore responsibility for the own goal, which may hinder his future appearances.
- Curtis Jones (7/10): Played a vital role in the midfield, showcasing his ability to drive forward and setting up Jota’s second goal.
- Federico Chiesa (6.5/10): Impressed on his first start with an assist and some skillful moments, including a cheeky nutmeg.
- Diogo Jota (8/10): Demonstrated his poaching instincts with two well-placed goals, positioning him as a likely starter against Wolves.
- Cody Gakpo (8/10): Continually threatened from the left, contributing to Jota’s opener and scoring twice himself, solidifying his case for a starting role.
- Darwin Nunez (6.5/10): Contributed to build-up play but was unable to find the net, missing an opportunity to capitalize on his recent success.
- Mohamed Salah (7.5/10): Made an immediate impact after his substitution, scoring quickly and winning the foul that led to a red card for Alvarez.
- Alexis Mac Allister (7/10): Came on with Salah and played a pivotal role, his shot leading to Salah’s goal and nearly scoring himself.
- Andy Robertson (N/A): Entered late in the game to help secure the lead.
- Tyler Morton (N/A): Made a brief appearance, marking his return to the pitch after a long absence.
Arne Slot (7.5/10): His offensive strategy paid off, particularly with Jota’s role as a second striker. Slot will be pleased with the performances of Gakpo, Chiesa, Jones, and Bradley, although Quansah’s struggles are a concern. Overall, he faces promising dilemmas as he considers his attacking options moving forward.