Liverpool ratings: Van Dijk 5/10 as title hopes hit again at West Ham

Liverpool’s remaining hopes of profitable the Premier League title dwindled additional on Saturday with their 2-2 draw in opposition to West Ham United on the London Stadium.

A quiet first half produced little by the use of probabilities till Luis Díaz hit the put up after some optimistic particular person play, however it was the Hammers who took the lead moments later as Jarrod Bowen headed in from a nook in the previous few minutes of the half.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)

The Reds responded shortly after the break by means of Andy Robertson. That supplied some much-needed momentum for Jürgen Klopp’s aspect, who obtained their noses in entrance within the sixty fifth minute when Cody Gakpo’s close-range strike deflected off a number of West Ham gamers earlier than getting in. Nonetheless, Liverpool might solely maintain on till the 77th minute. Bowen was concerned once more with the England worldwide turning supplier for Michail Antonio to go within the equaliser.

A triple substitution that included the introduction of Mohamed Salah wasn’t sufficient ultimately as Liverpool dropped extra factors. They’re now two factors behind league leaders Arsenal, having performed a recreation extra and with solely three matches left earlier than the tip of the season.

Positives

A robust response after half-time obtained Liverpool again into the sport, however they had been let down once more by their defending.

Negatives

Liverpool went behind for the sixteenth time within the Premier League this season, and there have been extra indicators of poor defending from set items. Any remaining hopes of profitable the title are absolutely gone.

Supervisor score (out of 10)

Jürgen Klopp, 6 — There was little Klopp might do as his aspect conceded poorly from a set piece as soon as once more. He was additionally unfortunate to concede one other simply as he was making a triple substitution, though the end result throws a unique mild on his determination to bench Salah.

Participant scores (1-10; 10 = greatest)

GK Alisson Becker, 5 — The Liverpool goalkeeper could not get a powerful sufficient hand on the header from Bowen, however his defence might have supplied extra of a problem from the nook. A robust save denied Emerson Palmieri within the 77th minute, however Alisson was overwhelmed moments later by one other header from Antonio.

DF Andy Robertson, 7 — The left-back’s objective got here on the good time to get Liverpool again within the recreation, and he seemed assured from that time when working down the flank and linking with Díaz.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 5 — Made an intervention after Alisson failed to assert a cross, after which he didn’t hold near Antonio who headed in from Bowen’s header. Not his typical dominant self.

DF Jarell Quansah, 5 — A poor go gave away the ball that led to West Ham’s objective from the nook, and he then didn’t mark Antonio from Bowen’s cross for the equaliser.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 — Tried to get Liverpool into the appropriate areas when trying to unlock forwards from his inverted place, nearly getting an help within the second half when producing an intricate incisive lengthy go to Alexis Mac Allister.

MF Wataru Endō, 6 — Recovered possession nicely in some counter-attack conditions and was on the ball quite a bit for Klopp’s aspect, shortly shifting it to the extra superior midfielders.

MF Ryan Gravenberch, 5 — Gave the ball away greater than he would have preferred on the day, although he did attempt to play progressively as a lot as attainable.

play

Klopp reacts to Salah touchline spat: ‘It is executed’

Jurgen Klopp reacts to his touchline spat with Mohamed Salah, and Joao Castelo-Branco reveals Salah’s response to the media afterwards.

FW Luis Díaz, 7 — Made a vibrant begin when trying to isolate defenders, and he was unfortunate to hit the put up. Labored arduous to get one other two probabilities within the second half however was denied by the goalkeeper.

FW Cody Gakpo, 7 — The Netherlands worldwide was capable of maintain the ball up in superior areas to assist carry others into play, and it was his effort at objective that went in after taking a number of deflections to place Liverpool 2-1 forward.

FW Harvey Elliott, 6 — Careless in possession firstly however started to take extra care as the sport went on. Might have executed higher together with his likelihood within the first half that went into the aspect netting. Hit the highest of the woodwork after the break.

Substitutes

Joe Gomez (Alexander-Arnold, 79′) N/R — On for Alexander-Arnold, who continues to be getting again to full health. Stretched the play down the appropriate when he might. An necessary sort out stopped a creating assault within the 94th minute.

Darwin Núñez (Endō, 79′) N/R — Made a optimistic run for Mohamed Salah, who failed to select him out throughout a break. Took up positions contained in the field to supply an choice for crosses.

Mohamed Salah (Díaz, 79′) N/R — Got here on after a heated change with Klopp. Virtually obtained an help minutes later however noticed his cross cleared by Vladimír Coufal. A promising break got here to nothing when his go was manner behind Núñez.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Quansah, 90+1′) N/R — There wasn’t sufficient time for the Hungary worldwide to make an affect on the sport. His go to Mac Allister was too highly effective within the ninety fifth minute and led to a West Ham counter-attack.