West Ham 1-2 Liverpool - Match Report

Liverpool returned to the top of the Barclays Premier League this afternoon with a fiercely fought win at Upton Park against spirited opposition in Sam Allardyce’s West Ham side. This, like all the remaining games for Brendan Rodgers’ men was a must win affair and would ensure three points and a return to the top of the pile.

Steven Gerrard: Keeps the Reds flying high

Win they did and the Reds now occupy pole position in the title race. The top of the Premiership is currently like the final round of a PGA tour match with all players needing to hold par or better, a birdie put, in order to win through. Fortunately it’s not sudden death... For now. The only change for Liverpool was centre back Mamadou Sakho deputising for Daniel Agger who was injured in training on Friday.

The visitors arrived at their hosts on the back of an eight match winning run which has seen them score 30 goals in the process. This West Ham side were in no mood to suffer the same fate and set their stall out to defend stoutly and attack quickly and physically. Needless to say, this was reflected in the scoreline as clearcut chances were few and far between. The best chance fell to top Scorer Luis Suarez on 27 minutes when his deftly placed chip struck the crossbar beyond the despairing dive of  Adrian. The visitors were patient in possession and waiting for opportunities to put through balls in behind the crowded home defence. 

As the end of a seemingly goalless first half approached, a 40-yard pass from captain Steven Gerrard found Luis Suarez on the edge of the West Ham penalty area, closely marshalled by James Tomkins. As Suarez scooped the ball beyond his marker, Tomkins inexplicably raised his hand and prevented the ball from passing him and leaving referee Anthony Taylor no option but to point to the spot. Up stepped Gerrard to push the ball to the ‘keeper’s right with a text book penalty kick. It now seemed as if Liverpool would go into the break with their noses in front. Alas, on occasion, all is not what it seems and in the second minute of injury time, West Ham clawed a goal back in controversial circumstances.

Mark Noble’s corner from the right was all but claimed by ‘keeper Simon Mignolet when ex-Liverpool man Andy Carroll impeded the Belgian with his arm connecting firmly to Mignolet's face. The ball fell to Guy Demel who stabbed home from close range to equalise. The infringement was spotted by the Mr. Taylor’s assistant Stuart Burt who’s flag was raised accordingly, as well as the visiting players appeals but despite both, the referee opted to allow the goal to stand. Not the best game the man in the middle has ever had. Well, hopefully not anyway. The whistle blew to signal the end of an eventful first half. Lacking in quality, but compensated for with controversy.

The second half was largely uneventful other than a Carroll header that thundered against Mignolet’s cross bar. The Reds pushed forward and patiently sought an opening to get a second but the home side stood firm and packed the defence. The deadlock was broken on 81 minutes as Jon Flanagan rushed into the West Ham penalty area to meet Lucas Leiva’s through ball only to be brought down by Adrian. It was a tough call. To coin a phrase "I've seen them given...", and given it was. Mr. Taylor pointed to the spot. Penalty number two was converted for goal number two by none other than Gerrard to send the travelling fans into raptures. Late efforts from Suarez - another deft chip hitting the bar - and Raheem Sterling went begging. The home team by the end had come to accept there was nothing down for them this time and that the visitors would be leaving with the spoils. 

Brendan Rodgers quite rightly asserted after the game that Liverpool were the better side and I don’t believe West Ham can have any genuine complaints after that. They were frankly beaten  by a better side, despite their best efforts to thwart that. Liverpool’s winning run now stretches to nine games and on this form, they need that to continue if they’re to break their 25 year duck and retain the Premiership crown. On this performance, there’s every chance they may just be able to manage it. The fans can dare to dream and next up, the Reds welcome Manchester City to Anfield for what is certain to be a real corker of a match.

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