Alexander Isak finally has a Premier League goal to show for his nine-figure move to Anfield - Getty ImagesWill ConroySun, November 30, 2025 at 5:52 PM UTC·42 min readb'
'b'
'
Was this the first proper glimpse of Liverpool 2.0? The first sign that Arne Slot’s costly evolution is, at last, beginning to take shape? It certainly felt that way as Slot dropped Mohamed Salah to his bench and instead successfully built his attack around the £240m duo of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith Salah watching from the sidelines for the first time in a league game since Jürgen Klopp was Liverpool’s manager, the new boys finally delivered the sort of performances they were signed for. Isak struck his first league goal for Liverpool with a wonderfully sharp finish, while the much-criticised Wirtz was the game’s standout player.
Are Liverpool back? Let’s not go that far. They were hardly at their thrilling best here. But after a run of nine defeats in 12 matches, this victory in the capital will feel like discovering water after days in the desert. There will be relief at winning a game again, and also excitement at the sense that Wirtz and Isak might just be starting to find their feet.
There is a caveat, though. This all came against West Ham United, a team that has struggled for so much of this season, and Nuno Espírito Santo’s side were hardly piling on the pressure.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWest Ham fans arrived here to the news of the passing of Billy Bonds, perhaps their greatest-ever player, and hoped their team might channel the spirit of Bonds in their performance. In that regard, the home players failed miserably. They could not muster even one shot on target. “He didn’t have a lot of work to do,” admitted Slot of Alisson Becker, his goalkeeper.
West Ham’s efforts were summarised by the sight of Lucas Paquetá receiving the stupidest of red cards in the final moments. Not content with being shown a yellow card for dissent in the 82nd minute, the Brazilian kept complaining to referee Darren England until he was shown another in the 83rd. Even the Liverpool players were trying to drag him away. To call it ludicrous would be an understatement.
“It is hard to play against a team like Liverpool with one player less,” said Nuno. “I won’t go much further in my comments. I want to speak with him first. I want to have a private conversation, to understand him.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFor Slot, the big question now is whether the axing of Salah was the primary reason for the improved performances of Wirtz and Isak. The focus of the attack shifted away from the right wing, where Salah has been so fabulous for so many years but so poor in recent weeks, and towards the more central Wirtz. Liverpool unquestionably looked better for it.
Isak’s goal, a sharp first-time effort, was assisted by Cody Gakpo but the true architect was Wirtz. The German’s imaginative pass to Gakpo, flicked around the West Ham defence, was the decisive moment. There might have been more of those from Wirtz, too, if his and Gakpo’s finishing had been better in the first half.
When Gakpo struck Liverpool’s second in stoppage time, it not only cemented Liverpool’s superiority but also triggered a chorus of pro-Slot chants from the away supporters. After plenty of difficult days in recent months, this was an afternoon to re-warm the soul of Liverpool’s head coach. “That is special,” said Slot of the away fans. “It tells you that this club is always together, but maybe even more in difficult moments.”
One wonders whether Slot will now keep Salah on the bench for the foreseeable future. It would be a brave decision, but there is clearly an argument to be made for it when Wirtz sparkles like this and Isak finally finds the net. If Liverpool want Isak and Wirtz to be the long-term drivers of this team, why not hand them the keys now?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt was a curious quirk of Slot’s team selection that Salah’s last league axing also came away to West Ham, under Klopp in April 2024. On that occasion, Salah argued with his manager on the touchline and then said: “If I speak, there will be fire.” Will there be fire this time? One suspects not, given Salah’s form. Even the great Egyptian must earn his place in the team, and he will know that better than anyone.
“He has been so important for this club and will be important for this club in the future,” said Slot when asked about Salah. The Liverpool head coach suggested it was largely a tactical decision, based on the characteristics of West Ham’s left-sided players.
Mohamed Salah was benched for the first time in a league game since Jürgen Klopp was Liverpool manager - Getty Images/Justin SetterfieldIsak would have known early in the first half that he would get chances against this West Ham defence. Within around 20 minutes, he had three opportunities to score. It took an excellent stop by Alphonse Areola, the West Ham goalkeeper, to keep him out.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIsak’s breakthrough finally came in the 60th minute, when he stylishly diverted Gakpo’s low cross inside the near post, just as Slot was beginning to consider removing him for fitness reasons. “I think that’s important for him,” said Slot. “I don’t think there was much more than 10 minutes [left] in him.”
Gakpo’s goal did not arrive until the 92nd minute, after Paquetá’s dismissal had ripped much of the hope away from West Ham and their fans. Controlling Joe Gomez’s cross, Gakpo finished with power to seal a win that could, perhaps, prove to be a springboard for Liverpool.
Paqueta hits out at the FA after extraordinary red card
Lucas Paquetá, the West Ham United midfielder, appeared to blame the Football Association for the extraordinary red card he was given for two consecutive acts of dissent against Liverpool.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPaquetá was shown yellow cards in the 83rd and 84th minutes of West Ham’s 2-0 defeat as he repeatedly complained to referee Darren England about a decision that had gone against his team.
In a statement on social media, posted shortly after the match, Paquetá apologised to the West Ham fans and players, but also suggested his behaviour was a result of the lengthy investigation into spot-fixing, for which he was eventually cleared.
The FA launched their investigation into Paquetá in August 2023, who was alleged to have deliberately been booked, before then charging him in May 2024. He was cleared in July this year.
Responding to a video clip of his red card in which his behaviour was described as “ridiculous”, Paquetá wrote on social media: “It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Perhaps this ridiculous behaviour is just a reflection of everything I’ve had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I’m sorry if I’m not perfect.”
In another post in Portuguese, he added: “I understand that now I have to come across as the villain, it’s hard to live with everything that was caused in my life and in my psyche! I’ll keep trying to ensure they don’t affect me even more. This doesn’t justify my expulsion and that’s why I apologise to the fans and my team-mates!”
It was reported in September that Paquetá was considering suing the FA, following the decision by an independent commission to clear him on four counts of alleged spot-fixing.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe announcement of the FA’s investigation in August 2023 caused the collapse of the midfielder’s proposed transfer to Manchester City.
Nuno Espírito Santo, the West Ham United head coach, said after the defeat by Liverpool: “It is hard to play against a team like Liverpool with one player less. I won’t go much further in my comments. I want to speak with him [Paquetá] first. I want to have a private conversation, to understand him.”
04:44pm
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Liverpool’s victory over West Ham to an end, as Arne Slot’s side stopped their run of defeats and Alexander Isak got off the mark in the Premier League for his new side. Thanks for joining us.
Liverpool celebrate their opening goal - Reuters/Tony O'Brien04:41pm
‘The spirit and desire was there’, says Nuno
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC MOTD: “I think we achieved good moments in spells and reached the spaces in the final third but the decision was not as accurate as we all wished.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn the red card for Lucas Paqueta, he said: “Allow me to speak with Lucas first and try to understand why. Even with one man less the boys had a bit of fight. The spirit and the desire was there in a day that was very sad for us as a club.
“The passing of Billy Bonds affected everybody and we wanted to change the atmosphere with our actions. The boys gave it a fight so let’s keep on going.”
04:39pm
Isak: ‘As a striker you need momentum’
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak speaking to BBC MOTD about his first league goal for Liverpool: “I’ve been waiting for it and chasing it and sometimes it takes longer than you expect but happy to score a goal and help towards the win today.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“It’s never easy, as a striker you need momentum. Sometimes you go through this patches but hopefully this will be helpful towards building good form. We defended really well and scored twice so happy days.”
Alexander Isak celebrates his goal with Ibrahima Konate - Getty Images /Alex Pantling04:36pm
‘We’ll bounce back’ - Nuno reacts to defeat
Discussing his team’s performance, Nuno Espirito Santo said: “It’s a disappointing day. We felt we were in the game, we were controlling the game. A lack of concentration cost us.
“We fought against a good team. The final pass, the final cross wasn’t there.”
Asked if the result is a step backwards, he said: “No way, no way. We didn’t perform as well as should have. We’ll bounce back.”
04:35pm
‘I’ll speak to Lucas to try and understand his behaviour’, says Nuno
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo on Lucas Paqueta’s red card: “I’m not going to comment too much. First of all I’m going to speak to Lucas and try to understand his frustrations and his behaviour.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“We need all the player and we are going to need them until the end of the season. Every player out, we’re going to miss them.”
04:32pm
Isak ends league drought
Alexander Isak’s goal was his first in the Premier League in eight matches, ending his joint-longest scoring drought in the competition.
04:30pm
‘Isak is a top striker’, says Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking to BBC MOTD: “A win and that was what we mainly needed and we got a clean sheet as well which is always helpful.
“Not giving anything away to the other team as a gift as we have done far too many times this season. The other team hardly created a chance except in the final minute through [Jarrod] Bowen.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“West Ham made it a difficult game for us but we did very well defensively. The good thing was that they only had one chance.
On Alexander Isak: “He is a top striker. This finish was very good. I kept him in just long enough for him to get a goal for the team and himself.”
On dropping Mohamed Salah: “We play a lot of games. In 10 days we played four. These players are such quality players. Mo has been so important for the club and will be so important for the club so let’s see what happens on Wednesday [against Sunderland].”
04:26pm
‘A significant moment’ - Slot on Isak’s first league goal
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to Sky Sports: “There’s definitely a feeling of relief because if you have lost so many times then winning is important.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“We hardly conceded a chance. We were able to create chances ourselves. In other games we gave away a lot more than we did today.
“It helps if you don’t go 1-0 down after five minutes because then you are more open. We played the game I wanted us to play.
“What I saw meant a lot to our players and our fans. The fans had to travel a long way to support a team that has been performing poorly.
“On Wednesday we face Sunderland. It’s a very busy schedule for everyone. This is a good first step for us - that we won and had a clean sheet.”
On if Alexander Isak’s first Premier League goal for Liverpool feels significant: “Yep, I think it does. I wasn’t planning to give him many more minutes.”
04:21pm
Up next
Liverpool will look to make it two wins on the spin on Wednesday when they welcome Sunderland to Anfield in the Premier League.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWest Ham, meanwhile, make the trip to Old Trafford on Thursday.
04:19pm
WATCH: Isak gets off the mark in the league for Liverpool
04:17pm
Premier League scores this afternoon
Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2
Aston Villa 1 Wolves 0
Nottingham Forest 0 Brighton 2
West Ham 0 Liverpool 2
Chelsea vs Arsenal (16:30)
04:16pm
Paqueta red card made it ‘more difficult’, says Fernandes
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, speaking to Sky Sports: “ They’re a good team with a lot of quality. We need to be more consistent.
“It was a difficult game for us. We tried to play counter-attack and did well. Second half...when Lucas was sent off it was more difficult for us.
“No I don’t think [we’ve gone backwards]. We have quality in the squad to win much more games.”
04:13pm
‘A long time coming’ - Isak ‘happy’ to get off mark
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak speaking to Sky Sports: “We knew it was going to be difficult to get back to winning ways after our recent form. Happy that we won and happy to be on the scoresheet as well.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn the first half: “When you are going through tough times as a team, it is about fighting. The boys did really well.”
On scoring his first Premier League goal for Liverpool: “I’m aware that it has been a long time coming and I have been trying to get back to my best form. I’m still on the way but I am happy to get that goal.
“The best feeling today is that we win the game and that is the best way to get a good spirit in the group but of course I am a striker so scoring goals will always help me.
“We have to use this win in a good way but also be humble. We have to stay focused and keep working hard to keep this momentum.”
04:10pm
Liverpool up eighth. West Ham remain in 17th
Victory this afternoon has taken Liverpool from 13th to eighth in the Premier League table, level on points with Manchester United in seventh.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThey are just one point behind Sunderland and Brighton, and two behind Chelsea who host Arsenal this afternoon.
West Ham remain in 17th, avoiding the relegation zone only because of their superior goal tally over Leeds United.
Following Nottingham Forest’s defeat against Brighton, West Ham remain just one point behind Sean Dyche’s side.
04:06pm
WATCH: Paqueta red card
West Ham will be without Paqueta for their next clash following his two yellow cards in quick succession late on this afternoon. What was the Brazilian thinking?
04:04pm
Sign of things to come for Salah?
Mohamed Salah started on the bench in the Premier League for the first time since April 2024 when he was left out by Jurgen Klopp at the London Stadium.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Egyptian did not feature at all this afternoon, and with Isak and Wirtz showing signs of promise with the attack built around them, could this be a sign of things to come?
04:01pm
Positives for Liverpool
Liverpool were far from their scintillating best but there are plenty of positives for Arne Slot as they ended a run of three defeats in all competitions and clinched a massive three points.
The visitors looked much more solid in defence, earning a first clean sheet in four games, and not allowing West Ham a shot on target.
Konate and Van Dijk were dominant in the air and Gomez felt like a calming presence, with Kerkez looking less vulnerable.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWirtz delivered one of his strongest displays, particularly in the first half, and Isak got his first Premier League goal for the club.
03:58pm
Full time: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 2
Liverpool see out the remainder of stoppage time with ease as West Ham accept their fate, and Arne Slot’s side secure a massive three points.
03:56pm
GOAL! Gakpo seals three points for Liverpool in stoppage time
West Ham United 0 Liverpool 2 (Gakpo) That has surely sealed it for the visitors!
Szoboszlai gets to a loose ball ahead of Areola in the right of the box and lays the ball back to Gomez on the edge of the area.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe right-back delivers a first-time cross that picks out Gakpo and the Dutchman chests it down before hooking a low, driven volley past Areola.
03:53pm
90+1 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
West Ham win a free-kick down their right and take the chance to load the box but Konate is once again there to head away.
There will be five minutes added on for the home side to draw themselves level.
03:51pm
88 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
Fullkrug battles through a number of tackles on the edge of the Liverpool box and the ball drops to Bowen, but he fires a first-time strike just past the top left corner. The home fans were just waiting for the net to bulge.
03:49pm
Red card! Paqueta dismissed after receiving two yellows in quick succession
West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1 That is so silly from Paqueta. Szoboszlai wins the free-kick and there is a feeling in the London Stadium that he has gone down softly.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPaqueta picks up a booking for his protestations but continues shouting at the referee. His team-mates look to guide him away, as does Alisson, but he goes back for more.
The referee has no choice but to give him a second yellow. He will now be suspended yet again, having been suspended for the trip to Bournemouth last week.
03:45pm
82 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
There is an immediate chance for Fullkrug as Paqueta picks out the striker from the right of the area but he heads wide, and the flag was up against Paqueta anyway.
Ekitike picks the ball up in the right of the box and should really let fly straight away but he dummies a couple of times, allowing Diouf to recover and make a block.
03:42pm
79 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
It feels like much of West Ham’s attacking threat has come through corners and long balls, but Van Dijk and Konate have been so dominant in the air.
Fullkrug is coming on in place of Wilson, who has had a pretty quiet afternoon after scoring three in his last two. The German may be a bit more of a handful for Liverpool’s defenders in aerial duels.
03:39pm
77 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
Slot is making his second change of the match and it’s Wirtz making way, with Jones coming on for the final 20 minutes. It was a much more promising performance from the German this afternoon.
Jones is immediately involved, combining nicely with Ekitike on the edge of the area. The striker has his first opening since coming on, but his curling effort bounces wide of the far post.
03:37pm
74 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
West Ham are really struggling to carve out any kind of clear cut chance, with Liverpool’s defence looking reasonably solid this afternoon. Gomez’s presence at right-back has felt like a steadying one.
03:33pm
71 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
West Ham win another corner down that right as they look for a way back into the contest - they are yet to muster a shot on goal.
And the wait goes on, with Liverpool defending the set piece effectively once again.
03:31pm
68 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
Isak is making way now, with Ekitike coming on in his place. The Swede still looks a way off his best but he will be delighted to have got off the mark.
Nuno is also making a change, with Guilherme coming on for Magassa, who had just been booked.
03:29pm
67 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
Magassa puts in a crunching tackle on Szoboszlai to pinch the ball back high up the pitch but the whistle blows and the West Ham man sees yellow.
It was a bit harsh, with the midfielder getting a lot of the ball, but it was perhaps a bit too studs-up.
03:26pm
64 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
b'
'
Was that the first moment of real quality that Alexander Isak has produced in a Liverpool shirt? It’s a brilliantly instinctive, controlled first-time finish. A turning point for him? A turning point for Liverpool’s entire campaign? Could be.
03:26pm
63 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
Liverpool are pushing for a second and win a corner down their left. Gakpo’s inswinging delivery causes Iraola problems but his manages to palm it away.
03:25pm
62 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1
b'
'
If Liverpool go on to win this game, it will feel like the first return on the combined £240m for Isak and Wirtz.
03:24pm
GOAL! Isak breaks the deadlock with first league goal for Liverpool
West Ham United 0 Liverpool 1 (Isak) Isak finally has his first Premier League goal since signing for Liverpool.
The visitors keep the pressure on following a long throw into the area and Gakpo is found in the left of the box.
The Dutchman pulls the ball back to Isak who guides a first-time side-footed finish in at the near post.
What a huge moment that is for the striker and his team.
03:22pm
59 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Paqueta pops the ball over the head of Mac Allister before taking aim with a looping volley from 30 yards out but it was pretty wide in the end.
Down the other end, Wirtz is released into the right of the area and he lays a dangerous first-time ball across the box but Mavropanos does well to clear before it reaches Isak.
03:19pm
57 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
West Ham win another corner down their right and after taking it short, the eventual delivery is headed behind by Konate for another corner, from the left this time.
It’s a dangerous inswinging ball from Potts into the heart of the six-yard box but it’s headed away once more by Liverpool.
03:17pm
55 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Bowen is found down West Ham’s right and he wins a corner as his cross is blocked by Van Dijk, who bellows at his team-mates.
Potts’ delivery is headed away at the near post.
03:16pm
53 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Diouf swings a dangerous ball into the area from West Ham’s left but Alisson comes out well to claim it.
Moments later and Paqueta slides a dangerous pass into the right of the area but none of his team-mates are on his wavelength and it runs through to the Liverpool keeper.
03:13pm
50 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Gravenberch looks to break the lines with an incisive ball through to Wirtz on the edge of the box.
The pass is just slightly wayward but the visitors need more of that - progressive, brave passing that will open up their opponents.
Gakpo works room for the shot from range but his effort sails well over.
03:11pm
48 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
It’s lovely from Mac Allister as he spins smartly in midfield before popping the ball through the legs of a West Ham midfielder, but his final pass into Gakpo in the left of the area is slightly over-hit.
Wirtz played more successful passes into Isak in that opening period than he had done at all before today. Can the two big-money signings finally start clicking?
03:07pm
46 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
We are back underway at the London Stadium, with the hosts kicking things off, going from right to left in this second period.
Both sides are unchanged from the first half.
03:00pm
In the Premier League this afternoon
Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 (FT)
Aston Villa 0 Wolves 0 (HT)
Nottingham Forest 0 Brighton 1 (HT)
West Ham 0 Liverpool 0 (HT)
Chelsea vs Arsenal (16:30)
02:59pm
Liverpool need cutting edge
b'
'
The good news for Liverpool: they don’t look particularly vulnerable in defence, and Wirtz has been the best player on the pitch.
The bad news for Liverpool: the final pass in the final third has been consistently poor, and their finishing has been even worse.
As for West Ham, it all feels a little... dull. There’s no real sense here that they are going to have a go for the visitors in the second half. That’s not really Nuno’s style, I suppose.
But it would be reasonable for the home fans to expect a more aggressive approach against such an out-of-form Liverpool.
02:56pm
Small steps forward for Liverpool
b'
'
Slot has suggested Liverpool have failed to ‘reward’ themselves for good moments. He will feel the same given the Wirtz miss. Had that gone in, this would have been considered a decent if not spectacular first half from the visitors.
On the plus side, Wirtz has been the outstanding player and Isak didn’t look knackered after 10 minutes. Small steps…
02:53pm
Half-time: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
There will be one minute of added time at the end of this first half.
West Ham have one final chance to create something as they win a corner down their left but Potts’ delivery is headed away and the half-time whistle follows.
It remains goalless at the break!
02:49pm
43 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Wirtz slips Gomez into the right channel and the defender lays a teasing ball across the six-yard box.
But Areola springs out of his goal well to parry the ball out of the path of Isak, who would have had a tap-in.
02:46pm
41 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
b'
'
Just as we were singing his praises, Wirtz produces a pathetically weak finish when he had to score.
02:46pm
40 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Van Dijk unlocks the West Ham defence with one ball over the top as Gakpo brings it down in the left of the area after Wan-Bissaka makes a mess of it.
The winger lays the ball back to Wirtz but the German’s side-footed effort is tame and easy for Areola. He had to do a lot better there.
02:42pm
36 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
West Ham find themselves in a two-on-two, with Bowen and Wilson breaking at Van Dijk and Konate.
But the Liverpool captain does enough to delay the West Ham skipper, allowing his team-mates to get back, and eventually Bowen’s speculative curler is blocked.
02:39pm
34 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
b'
'
Slot’s tweaks have been designed to get more from Wirtz. So far it is working. With a better first touch from teammates, he would have an assist by now. It is the classiest he has looked in the Premier League so far.
02:38pm
32 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Wirtz lifts a pass into Gakpo in the right of the area but his first touch lets him down and West Ham can clear.
The hosts look to counter and Konate is penalised for a foul on halfway, which the defender can’t believe has been given.
02:37pm
31 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Mohamed Salah has started on the bench in the Premier League for the first time since April 2024, when he was left on the bench also at the London Stadium.
Mohamed Salah on the bench this afternoon - Getty Images/Justin Setterfield02:35pm
29 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Isak does well to drive inside towards the edge of the area but his lay off to Gakpo is just behind the Dutchman and he fails to get the ball out of his feet.
Moments later, Gakpo slides Kerkez into the left of the area but his pull-back is cut out by Diouf. The defender had more time than he realised there.
02:33pm
27 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
b'
'
Florian Wirtz has understandably received some heavy criticism since his move from Germany but, in the opinion of this humble hack, there have been more than enough moments this season to suggest he could suddenly explode into match-winning form. You can see the talent and supreme technical ability is there.
Could this finally be the day it all comes together for him in the Premier League? He has started the game well, picking up the ball in nice areas and making things happen. Let’s not get carried away, though.
02:31pm
26 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
That was Isak’s second shot on target in the Premier League this season... It’s not been the start he would have hoped for and expected at Liverpool.
Gravenberch darts to the edge of the box and gets brought down by a sliding challenge from Magassa but play is waved on.
It was just outside the box so there is nothing VAR could do about it but it looks like the West Ham man may have got the slightest touch on it.
02:28pm
22 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
What a save from Areola! Gomez breaks down Liverpool’s right and hangs a cross up to the back post, picking out the head of Gakpo.
The winger nods the ball back across goal to Isak, who pops the ball up with his chest before hooking a volley on goal but Areola spreads himself well to make the save.
02:25pm
19 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Paqueta skips past Mac Allister and sweeps a sublime ball in behind for Wilson to run onto. The striker finds himself isolated in the left of the area but manages to win a corner off Konate.
It’s a wicked ball towards the back post but Mavropanos doesn’t time his jump correctly and the ball runs out for a goal-kick.
02:22pm
17 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Wirtz breaks into the left of the area and lays a tantalising ball across the face of goal but Isak doesn’t gamble and Diouf turns it behind for a corner.
Szoboszlai’s lofty delivery finds Van Dijk towards the back post but his header loops well over the bar.
02:20pm
15 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
b'
'
Looks like West Ham are using a familiar tactic of allowing Konate to take possession when Liverpool pass from the back. The ball usually finds its way to the opponent when he goes long down the line.
02:19pm
14 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
b'
'
It has been quite a ponderous start by both teams, without any attacking urgency (yet).
The London Stadium united in tribute to the great Billy Bonds but I would not say that has carried over into particularly vociferous support for the home team in these first 10 minutes.
I’ve been at this stadium when the atmosphere has been genuinely, seriously good. This is not one of those occasions.
02:18pm
13 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Mamardashvili is out for a warm-up but after a lengthy bit of treatment, Alisson is back on feet and looks okay to continue.
02:17pm
12 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Paqueta releases Wan-Bissaka down West Ham’s right and the full-back lifts a teasing ball into area but Alisson just about manages to punch clear.
The Liverpool keeper collided with Gomez, though, and is down requiring treatment. It looks a blow to his ribs maybe.
02:13pm
8 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
Paqueta lifts the ball over the head of Gomez as he looks to break into the left of the box but Gravenberch is covering and puts it behind for a corner.
The Dutchman is there once again at the back post to head the set piece away from danger.
02:10pm
5 mins: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
In terms of the three players behind Isak, it’s looking like it will be Gakpo on the left, Szoboszlai on the right and Wirtz through the middle in the No 10 role.
Wirtz latches onto a loose ball about 30 yards out and drives to the edge of the box before laying the ball to his left. Gakpo lets it run through his legs to Isak, who blazes a curling effort well over the bar.
02:08pm
3 min: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
West Ham have an early chance to attack as Bowen is found in space down their right.
The winger cuts inside and finds Wilson, who feeds the overlapping Diouf, but the full-back’s cross slices behind for a goal-kick.
02:06pm
1 min: West Ham United 0 Liverpool 0
We are underway at the London Stadium, with Liverpool kicking things off, going from right to left in this opening period.
02:05pm
Tributes to Bonds
There is a standing ovation from everyone inside the London Stadium this afternoon in honour of Billy Bonds, with images of the West Ham legend displayed on the big screens.
Bowen holds up a shirt with the former player’s name on it and he lays it in front of the Billy Bonds Stand.
02:02pm
Kick-off approaching
The teams have emerged from the tunnel at the London Stadium and we are now less than five minutes away from kick-off.
Before the match gets underway, tributes are set to be held for Billy Bonds following the passing of West Ham’s record appearance holder and former manager this morning.
02:00pm
ICYMI: Salah on bench, Wirtz starts
West Ham United: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Diouf; Magassa, Potts, Fernandes; Bowen, Wilson, Paqueta.
Subs: Julio, Fullkrug, Hermansen, Irving, Kilman, Rodriguez, Soucek, Walker-Peters, Guilherme.
Liverpool: Allison; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo.
Subs: Chiesa, Endo, Jones, Ekitike, Salah, Ngumoha, Nyoni, Robertson, Mamardashvili.
01:57pm
Elsewhere this afternoon
Manchester United have come from behind to beat Crystal Palace, taking them up to sixth and three points clear of Liverpool.
Still to come in the Premier League today:
Aston Villa vs Wolves (14:05)
Nottingham Forest vs Brighton (14:05)
West Ham vs Liverpool (14:05)
Chelsea vs Arsenal (16:30)
01:52pm
West Ham’s upturn in form
West Ham are on an upward trajectory, having picked up seven points from their least three games after amassing one point from their previous six.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men claimed home victories over Newcastle United and Burnley before drawing away at Bournemouth last time out.
01:48pm
Liverpool’s struggles in the capital
Liverpool have lost each of their last five away league games against London sides, with three of those coming this season against Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Brentford.
Liverpool concede a late winner at Chelsea - Reuters/Matthew Childs01:44pm
Wilson in form
Callum Wilson has scored three goals in his last two games for West Ham, including both of his side’s goals in the 2-2 draw at his former side Bournemouth last weekend.
It’s as many as he had in his previous 36 and he is now looking to score in three in a row for the first time since September 2023.
Callum Wilson with a muted celebration against Bournemouth last time out - Getty Images /Alex Broadway01:40pm
Liverpool drawing blanks
Having only failed to score in only one of their first 48 Premier League games under Arne Slot, Liverpool have now lost their last two by a 3-0 scoreline.
Alexander Isak is yet to get off the mark in the league for Liverpool - Getty Images/Shaun Botterill01:37pm
Slot on ‘same page’ as Jones
Following Liverpool’s defeat against PSV on Wednesday, Curtis Jones said: “I don’t have the answers, honestly, I don’t. It’s just unacceptable.
“I’m past being angry inside. I’m at the point now where I just don’t have the words.”
Asked about these comments on Thursday, Arne Slot admitted he had not seen the interview, but said: “I think we are on the same page when it comes to getting out of this situation.”
01:34pm
Liverpool dominate head-to-head
Despite their current form, Liverpool will take confidence from their record against West Ham.
The east London side have won just one of their last 18 Premier League games against Liverpool (D3 L14) beating them 3-2 at home in November 2021.
Liverpool have scored 25 goals in their nine league visits to the London Stadium, including a 5-0 win in this fixture last season.
Manchester City and Arsenal are the only visiting sides with more goals at the ground.
01:29pm
Passing of Billy Bonds to unite West Ham supporters
b'
'
The passing of Billy Bonds, perhaps the most loved figure in West Ham United’s history, will surely have a significant impact on the atmosphere at the London Stadium today.
A West Ham-supporting colleague in the press room has told me he expects the London Stadium to be galvanised and united as a result of this morning’s news.
Bonds in action for West Ham in 1985 - Getty Images /David Cannon01:26pm
Liverpool’s work-rate under the microscope
b'
'
Arne Slot made a point of referencing Liverpool’s impressive running stats pre-match, suggesting some of his players beat their season’s best in midweek. With respect, for many of them the bar must have been very low.
It’s hard to recall the last time a Liverpool side visibly appeared to be working harder than - or even as hard as - the opposition.
All eyes might be on Mohamed Salah’s body language as he grumpily takes his place on the bench, but the number of sprints and general fitness of the likes Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister will influence if Liverpool finally resemble Premier League champions this afternoon.
01:23pm
Salah benched in the league for first time since April 2024
b'
'
For Liverpool fans the headline news here is that Mohamed Salah has been dropped by Arne Slot. It’s the first Premier League game under Slot that Salah has not started, which is a remarkable statistic.
Perhaps even more remarkable is the fact that the last time Salah was dropped for a league game was in April 2024, here at the London Stadium. On that occasion, he argued with Jurgen Klopp on the touchline and then said: “If I speak, there will be fire.”
Mohamed Salah and Jurgen Klopp clash at West Ham in April 2024 - Reuters /John Sibley01:20pm
Jamie Carragher: Arne Slot has a week to save his Liverpool job
b'
'
Arne Slot has a week to save his job. It is hard to believe that sentence is being written, but Liverpool’s next three games are against West Ham United, Sunderland and Leeds United. Anything fewer than seven points will make an already unacceptable situation untenable.
No matter how much goodwill the manager has, Liverpool Football Club cannot sustain the drop in standards witnessed over the past three months.
Read Jamie Carragher’s full column on the current situation at Liverpool here.
01:17pm
Liverpool remain ‘talented and capable’, says Nuno
Asked this week about what he anticipates from Liverpool and under-pressure Arne Slot, Nuno Espirito Santo said: “I don’t know. We can expect anything, especially teams that are in European competitions.
“Due to the amount of games, we cannot predict the starting XI. No matter who starts, we are going to face a tough XI.”
He added; “They are a good team. In football, what matters is what you do on the day. What we expect is the champions of the Premier League, players that are talented and capable of doing good things.”
01:12pm
Liverpool’s Premier League slump
Liverpool have lost six of their last seven games in the league:
27/09 - Crystal Palace 2 Liverpool 1
4/10 - Chelsea 2 Liverpool 1
19/10 - Liverpool 1 Manchester United 2
25/10 - Brentford 3 Liverpool 2
1/11 - Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 0
9/11 - Manchester City 3 Liverpool 0
22/11 - Liverpool 0 Nottingham Forest 3
Liverpool manager Arne Slot - Getty Images/Glyn Kirk01:08pm
‘We fight on’ - Slot speaks to owners after PSV defeat
Arne Slot confirmed on Thursday that he had spoken to the club’s owners following Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat at home against PSV. last
But the Liverpool boss insisted the conversation was no different to a normal day, adding: “We fight on. We try to improve.”
He said he is “not at all” angry at his players and instead wants the focus to be on “the team and not individual” performances.
Asked about his side losing for a ninth time in 12 games, he said: “Our standards have not been the standards we are used to or what we want. We think we can play better.”
01:03pm
Those line-ups in full
West Ham United: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Diouf; Magassa, Potts, Fernandes; Bowen, Wilson, Paqueta.
Subs: Julio, Fullkrug, Hermansen, Irving, Kilman, Rodriguez, Soucek, Walker-Peters, Guilherme.
Liverpool: Allison; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo.
Subs: Chiesa, Endo, Jones, Ekitike, Salah, Ngumoha, Nyoni, Robertson, Mamardashvili.
12:59pm
Slot makes four changes, Salah on the bench as Wirtz and Allison return
There are four changes to the Liverpool team that started in the 4-1 defeat against PSV in the week as Allison and Wirtz return from injury, in place of Mamardashvili and Salah, who is on the bench in the league for the first time since April 2024.
Elsewhere in the team, Isak replaces Ektike up front and Gomez is in at right-back in place of Jones.
12:53pm
West Ham make three changes, Paqueta starts after suspension
Nuno Espirito Santo has made three changes to the West Ham team which started in the draw against Bournemouth as Mavropanos, Magassa and Paqueta replace Kilman, Julio and Guilherme.
12:49pm
Liverpool injury news
Arne Slot said on Thursday that the injury Hugo Ekitike picked up against PSV “shouldn’t be a big issue”, but gave no further details.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool boss confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson “trained with the team” on Thursday, so is expected to return this afternoon, while Florian Wirtz could also be in contention after a two-match spell on the sidelines.
Hugo Ekitike picked up a knock in the defeat against PSV in midweek - Shutterstock/Adam Vaughan12:42pm
West Ham injury news
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed this week that Crysencio Summerville and Konstantinos Mavropanos “are getting better” and that the club’s medical staff would assess the pair to determine their availability for the visit of Liverpool.
Crysencio Summerville suffered an injury in the win over Burnley - PA/Bradley Collyer12:35pm
Billy Bonds dies aged 79
Billy Bonds, West Ham United’s record appearance holder and the club’s former manager, has died at the age of 79.
The Bonds family issued a statement via the Premier League club ahead of today’s fixture against Liverpool to announce that Bonds passed away on Sunday morning, with tributes set to be paid at the London Stadium before kick-off.
“We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today,” a family statement read.
“He was devoted to his family and was the most kind, loyal, selfless, and loving person.
“Dad loved West Ham United and its wonderful supporters with all his heart and treasured every moment of his time at the Club.
“He will always be in our hearts and eternally missed. We take comfort knowing that his legacy will live on forever.”
Read more here.
Billy Bonds spent 21 years as a player for West Ham before managing them between 1990 and 1994 - Reuters/John Sibley12:30pm
Liverpool look to stop the rot with visit to capital
Good afternoon, and welcome to live coverage of West Ham United vs Liverpool from the Premier League, as the champions look to lift themselves out of crisis and avoid a fourth defeat on the spin in all competitions.
Arne Slot’s side are enduring a disastrous run, having suffered consecutive losses of a three-goal margin against Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and PSV, with the latest two matches both coming at Anfield. These disappointing displays are the latest in a catastrophic slump in form, with Liverpool having now won just three of their last 12 matches in all competitions and losing six of their last seven games in the league.
The dramatic drop-off in results has seen them slip from the summit of the league, following the first six matches of the campaign, all the way down to 13th coming into today’s contest at the London Stadium. However, given the incredibly condensed battle for European spots, three points this afternoon could see them climb as high as fifth, though that would require a significant margin of victory.
Slot’s men are currently seven points ahead of today’s opponents, with West Ham 17th in the table, avoiding the relegation zone only because of their superior goal difference over Leeds United. However, the east London side are on an upward trajectory, having picked up seven points from their least three games after amassing one point from their previous six.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men claimed victories over Newcastle United and Burnley before drawing away at Bournemouth last time out, and will now be looking to capitalise on the visit of a vulnerable Liverpool side. If Nottingham Forest fail to beat Brighton at the City Ground this afternoon, a win for West Ham will see them climb up to 16th, but more importantly, it will establish a three-point cushion above the drop zone and the struggling sides that occupy it.
Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
AdvertisementAdvertisement