West Ham 0-5 Liverpool: Player Ratings – Liverpool FC

Liverpool secured a convincing 5-0 away win at West Ham on Sunday with a number of outstanding players in Arne Slot’s side, not least the unplayable Mo Salah.

West Ham 0-5 Liverpool

Premier League (18) | London Stadium
December 29, 2024

Goals: Diaz 30′, Gakpo 40′, Salah 44′, Alexander-Arnold 54′, Jota 84′

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Alisson – 8 (out of 10)

Alisson hadn’t kept a clean sheet since returning from injury, but that has changed here.

The Brazilian was a spectator for much of the game and could do nothing when Mohammed Kudus hit the post.

Liverpool have a different look when Alisson is in goal.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 9

Alexander-Arnold really had fun at the London Stadium and caused chaos with Salah on the right wing.

His passing was crisp and inventive and he combined energy with decisive defensive work.

• READ: “Keep chattering nonsense, Marca” – Trent celebration gets fans talking

Put Liverpool 4-0 ahead with a long-range shot that flew into the next goal from Max Kilman – his celebration suggested he would silence those who were talking about his departure from Liverpool!

Joe Gomez – 7

After playing some precise long passes in the first half hour, Gomez sustained a hamstring injury.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed it’s nothing serious.

Virgil van Dijk – 9

Van Dijk has been almost perfect all season and that applies again here.

The Dutchman overcame all the rare threats that came his way, especially from the air, and is leading the team brilliantly this season.

Didn’t lose a single duel that day, even took big steps forward and only hit the target late.

Andy Robertson – 7

An early mistake saw him lose the ball cheaply, seizing a chance for West Ham, while some of his decisions on the ball in the first half felt rushed.

However, there was still a lot to admire about Robertson’s performance as he allowed plenty of overlap to make room for Cody Gakpo.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8

Gravenberch continued his streak of starting every Premier League game this season and dominated the midfield.

The Dutchman’s play was once again one of effortless class and his dynamism ensured that West Ham’s midfielders couldn’t get to him.

He is The Revelation of the season so far.

Alexis Mac Allister – 9

Mac Allister and Gravenberch have developed a great understanding this season and the Argentine was brilliant against the Hammers.

The 26-year-old stood out for his quality on the ball and persistence out of possession, completing 56 passes and carrying out eight defensive actions – the most of any midfielder, according to FotMob.

Curtis Jones – 8

Jones kept his place, took advantage of Dominik Szoboszlai’s suspension and put in excellent performances throughout.

The young Reds supporter pushed as relentlessly as anyone and was blocked by Alphonse Areola, who also provided an assist for Salah.

Has become such an important player. It’s easy to forget that he’s only 23 years old.

Mohamed Salah – 9 (Man of the Match)

There is no better player in the world than Salah and this was another masterclass.

The 32-year-old was thwarted by Areola and played an excellent part in Gakpo’s goal, then hit the net himself with a neat finish to move within one goal of Thierry Henry’s Premier League tally.

It is now more than 20 goals for the eighth consecutive season and the eighth different game with a goal and an assist in the Premier League, which is the most of any player in a single season ever.

I missed several big chances, but we are also releasing him because of Diogo Jota’s support.

Cody Gakpo – 8

Salah is rightly receiving the most praise at the moment, but Gakpo is also in strong form himself.

A fantastic pass to Salah should have seen his team-mate score early on, before firing from close range to put Liverpool ahead 2-0.

A beautiful footballer to watch.

Luis Diaz – 8

Diaz was back on top at the expense of Darwin Nunez, which more than justified his selection.

A sharp shot tested Areola, acting as an early scorer before the Colombian delivered an emphatic finish to give the Reds the lead.

He has never stopped running and is currently a player who loves his football.

Substitute

Jarell Quansah (for Gomez, 37′) – 7

Liverpool took full control immediately after his substitution, which meant he was able to take the game through in no time.

Wataru Endo (for Gravenberch, 57′) – 7

Order was maintained in the middle of the park.

Diogo Jota (for Gako, 57′) – 7

Forced Areola into a good save before producing a typically clinical finish.

Kostas Tsimikas (for Robertson, 73′) – 6

Made a key release immediately after coming on, but otherwise went unnoticed.

Harvey Elliott (for Jones, 73′) – 6

A quiet cameo, but nice to see him getting more minutes.

Substitutes not used: Kelleher, McConnell, Nunez, Danns

Arne Slot – 9

Slot wanted to finish 2024 in style after an excellent start as Liverpool manager and he has done just that.

The decision to use Diaz instead of Nunez paid off big time as the Reds had a more fluid team with him in attack and the team’s performance was dominant from the first minute.

Their lead was so big that Slot was able to eliminate the blocking risks Gravenberch and Gakpo at the beginning of the second half. The only blemish for him will be Gomez’s injury.

Liverpool sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League at the end of the year – nine points ahead of Arsenal – and even Slot couldn’t have expected it to be this far The So.

It’s just one defeat in all competitions this season!