Liverpool FC’s run continues: With a 1-0 win over West Ham United, Jürgen Klopp’s team picked up their twelfth consecutive victory in a competitive match – thanks to Sadio Mané.
Pressure on Manchester City increased: Victory over West Ham moved Liverpool to within three points of the leaders, who face ManUnited in the derby tomorrow (5.30pm) – and they got going early against the Hammers.
After just two minutes, a deep murmur went through Anfield. Alexander-Arnold sent Salah in with a quickly taken free-kick, but the Egyptian failed to beat Fabianski (2nd). The alert and determined Reds kept the pressure on the visitors and were particularly dangerous through the eye-catching newcomer Luis Diaz. Dawson blocked one of the Colombian’s finishes and Salah again missed (14).
Mané keeps his cool
West Ham, who had great problems against the high pressing home side and rarely managed a controlled and calm build-up of play, nevertheless created opportunities with long balls. Twice Antonio failed to beat Alisson (14., 22.). Mané, on the other hand, was more cool-headed. The Senegalese pushed in a cross from Alexander-Arnold for a deserved lead (27th). The man who provided the assist later narrowly missed with his free kick (33rd). Shortly before the break, things got even more intense: First, Cresswell saved on the line after Luis Diaz’s deflected shot, and on the other side, Alexander-Arnold cleared the ball before Pablo Fornal’s dipping shot could rattle the net (39).
In the second half, both teams took it a little easier – especially as the injury and later substitution of West Ham’s top scorer Jared Bowen interrupted the flow of the game (53rd). It was not until half an hour before the final whistle that the Reds increased the tempo. Luis Diaz and Salah were unable to extend the lead (64th, 66th) – which almost took its revenge. But Lanzini shot the ball over the box from the closest distance (70.).
The Hammers did not manage a real final offensive, so that it remained a deserved victory for Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp’s team won their twelfth competitive match in a row.
The Reds face Inter Milan in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday (9pm). West Ham take on Sevilla FC in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday (6.45pm).
