New year, same old Liverpool. 2016 got off to the worst possible start for Jurgen Klopp, as he saw his side surrender to a strong, physical West Ham side whose direct style of football caused us havoc all game long. Despite 23 efforts on goal, Liverpool could not find the back of the net and the game followed a familiar pattern that we’ve become accustomed to this season. After going 1-0 down early on to Antonio’s headed goal, Liverpool dominated possession without causing Adrian any problems, whilst Andy Carroll’s towering header against his former club sealed the points for the Hammers. It was an utterly abject display, and further evidence of the weaknesses throughout this Liverpool squad. Upgrades in January are essential. Here’s how I rated our players.
Simon Mignolet- 6/10
Wasn’t to blame for either of West Ham’s goals and was left exposed by terrible marking from Liverpool’d defenders. Made a terrific double save to deny Carroll from close range late on, and was one of the few Liverpool players who couldn’t be blamed for this woeful performance.
Nathaniel Clyne- 4/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Guilty of poor marking for the first goal as he afforded Antonio the space to get in front and power a header in from close range, whilst he was left helpless as Carroll towered above him to score the second. Lacked quality on the ball himself and endured a rough afternoon.
Dejan Lovren- 6/10
Generally a decent display for the Croatian who has become a dominant and authoritative figure in recent weeks. Wasn’t directly responsible at either goal, although his second half free kick blasted straight at Lucas was a strange decision to say the least.
Mamadou Sakho- 5/10
Misplaced several headers and still doesn’t look quite as confident on the ball as he did before his injury. Could have dealt with West Ham’s high balls with more conviction and didn’t impose himself physically against Andy Carroll who enjoyed an easy afternoon.
Alberto Moreno- 5/10
Should have been awarded a free kick as he was fouled by Antonio just moments before West Ham opened the scoring, but should have got up and chased back rather than feigning injury. Created several decent chances for Benteke, although he didn’t close down the cross which lead to the second goal from his flank. Replaced after 61 minutes.
Lucas Leiva- 3/10
Dreadful performance by the stand in captain who failed to offer adequate protection in front of the back four. Failed to close down the cross leading to the first goal, and passed up a promising shooting opportunity as he wildly swung a leg and missed the ball completely. His passing was too slow and lacking in precision, but he was unlucky not to score as his effort was cleared off the line late on.
Emre Can- 6/10
Liverpool’s best performer on the day by some distance, Can was the only player who looked up for the occasion. Won the ball back and drove his team forward, demonstrating the kind of physicality and strength this Liverpool side lacks. His passing was slightly miscued at times but the 21 year old stood out amongst a sea of mediocrity.
Jordon Ibe- 4/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Saw plenty of the ball out wide and embarked on some positive runs with the ball, but took to long to put a cross into the box on several occasions. Cresswell coped comfortably and came out on top in most of their one on one battles.
Philippe Coutinho- 3/10
Spent the majority of the game continuing his enormously frustrating new habit of cutting in from the left hand side before ballooning countless shots well off target from distance. His first touch and passing were abysmal at times. Needs to step his game up urgently, although this position out wide doesn’t suit him well.
Roberto Firmino- 3/10
Had some nice touches on the ball but spent too long on the periphery of the game and was unable to link up with Benteke. Scuffed a decent shooting chance horribly wide in the first half before being withdrawn after 61 minutes. Again, not contributing anywhere near enough.
Christian Benteke- 2/10
I’ve been supportive of Benteke recently, but this was one of the worst performances I’ve seen from the Belgian striker all season. Liverpool provided plenty of crosses into the box, but he only won 2 headers all game and was dominated by Ogbonna and Collins. Failed to hold the ball up effectively and scuffed at several decent opportunities. His first touch was heavy and his movement static. Dreadful.
Substitutes
Adam Lallana- 5/10
Replaced Firmino for the last half hour, Lallana took some good set pieces and looked lively on the ball, but was guilty of over complicating and taking too many touches as he often does. Misplaced some very easy passes.
Brad Smith- 5/10
One of the few positives to come out of this game, Smith made a bright impression after replacing Moreno midway through the second half. Full of energy and made some excellent forward runs, although his final ball was lacking in quality.
Joe Allen- N/A
Missed a glaring opportunity for a consolation goal, somehow missing a header with the goal gaping from close range.
Red Regista
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