Five things learned about Liverpool in win at West Ham before transfer deadline

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Liverpool clawed themselves back into the top four with a 3-1 win over West Ham on Sunday evening.

The Reds once again made a slow start and went in at the break without coming close to scoring.

But they bucked their ideas up in the second half as Mohamed Salah scored twice in the space of ten minutes to put them in a commanding position at the London Stadium.

The Egyptian’s second goal in particular caught the eye, while Gini Wijnaldum all but wrapped up the three points with just over five minutes left to play.

Craig Dawson gave Jurgen Klopp’s side a small scare with a headed goal from a corner, but Liverpool held on to claim all three points.

Here’s five things learned about the Reds after their win over West Ham, especially with transfer deadline day looming on Monday.

Nat Phillips impresses

Plenty of eyes were on young Nat Phillips before kick off – would he be able to step up alongside the unnatural centre-back of Jordan Henderson?

Yes, yes he did, and he did it well.

Phillips dominated the defensive statistics at half-time, including topping most aerial duels won and most clearances.

Do the Reds really need to sign a new centre-back?

Another new centre-back pairing

The combination of Jordan Henderson and Nat Phillips was Liverpool’s 12th different starting central defensive partnership this season in 21 Premier League matches.

The one thing you want in the heart of defence is consistency.

Henderson and Phillips did a decent job, but if that statistic doesn’t outline their main issue, nothing does.


Salah saves the day again

Almost everyone was coming in for the Liverpool attack at half-time after a pretty lifeless performance.

Graeme Souness summed it up pretty well, telling Sky Sports: "They've got nothing upfront."

But once again Mohamed Salah provided the goods to take his goal tally into the twenties for the fourth consecutive season – the first man since Ian Rush to do so for the Reds.

Trent back to his best

Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be getting back to his best after picking out two brilliant passes to help set up Liverpool’s second and third goals.

The England right-back had his worst game to date against Burnley last week, but appears to have learned his lesson with a more considered approach against the Hammers.

Back into the top four

Liverpool find themselves back in the top four with the convincing win at West Ham, and are now just one point behind Manchester United.

The blip in form had many questioning their title credentials, but there is simply no doubting Klopp’s side now, who seem to be back to their impervious best.

This could be another thrilling title race.

  • Jurgen Klopp
  • Mohamed Salah
  • Premier League
  • Liverpool FC
  • West Ham FC

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