The chaos of the Premier League title race this season has already taken on a variety of different forms. From blowout victories to shock results and everything in between, the back and forth tussle between Liverpool and Manchester City feels like it’s going to last right up until May. Tonight, the Reds had the chance to maintain their five point advantage over City at the top of the table, and they let it slip through their fingers.
A nervy evening
West Ham always seem like the kind of team that can pose anyone in the league problems on their day, and that was the case once again at London Stadium. They were coming forward with real emphasis in the early stages of the game, which really does make you wonder why they can’t maintain that kind of consistency against everyone in the division.
Alas, Liverpool can flick a switch at any point during the game, and they did so when Sadio Mane smashed them into the lead in the 22nd minute. The advantage didn’t last all too long, though, as Michail Antonio finished off a clever set piece to bring the home side back onto level terms. From that point on Liverpool seemed a little bit more reserved, as if they were afraid of getting hit on the counter attack again.
Plenty to think about
They had a few opportunities which many fans will probably think they should’ve taken, but the biggest came in the latter stages of the game. Divock Origi had the goal in his sights with the chance to capture all three points for the league leaders, but he couldn’t quite take advantage of the situation. The miss would’ve done nothing to silence the Belgian forward’s many doubters.
Jurgen Klopp has a lot to think about as Liverpool look ahead to their immediate future, given that their lead over City has now been cut to three points. Pep Guardiola’s men are still more than capable of dropping points, too, although they’ll fancy themselves in their next outing against Everton. Liverpool’s next game will be against Bournemouth, as West Ham prepare to visit Crystal Palace.
Match Report
West Ham: Fabianski (7.5), Cresswell (6.5), Ogbonna (6.5), Diop (6.5), Fredericks (6.5), Noble (6.5), Rice (7), Anderson (8), Snodgrass (6.5), Antonio (8), Hernandez (6), Carroll (6), Obiang (6.5), Masuaku (6)
Liverpool: Alisson (6.5), Milner (7.5), Matip (7), van Dijk (7.5), Robertson (6.5), Lallana (6.5), Fabinho (6.5), Keita (7), Salah (6.5), Firmino (6.5), Mane (7.5), Shaqiri (6), Origi (6)
Referee: Kevin Friend
Goals: Antonio :: Mane
Yellow Cards: Hernandez, Matip
Red Cards: N/A
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
