Liverpool delivered a comprehensive 5-1 win over West Ham United in their Carabao Cup third-round clash at Anfield on September 25, 2024. Under Arne Slot, the Reds continued their strong form in cup competitions, maintaining their title defense with an emphatic performance.
Match Summary:
The game began with a shocking own goal from Liverpool’s young defender Jarell Quansah, giving West Ham an early lead after a corner mix-up. However, the Reds quickly responded with Diogo Jota converting Federico Chiesa’s shot, equalizing in the 25th minute.
Liverpool took control after halftime, with Curtis Jones orchestrating the attack that led to Jota’s second goal early in the second half. Slot made crucial substitutions, bringing on Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister, which immediately paid off. Salah slotted home the third goal after a rebound from Mac Allister’s shot, putting Liverpool 3-1 up.
West Ham’s Edson Alvarez saw red after a second yellow card, reducing the Hammers to 10 men and leaving them vulnerable. Cody Gakpo sealed the victory for Liverpool, scoring two late goals—one a powerful strike after exchanging passes with Darwin Núñez, and the other a deflected effort—giving Liverpool a resounding 5-1 triumph.
Key Players & Stats:
Diogo Jota: Man of the Match with two goals, his clinical finishing was vital to Liverpool’s comeback.
Cody Gakpo: Scored twice in the final moments, highlighting his importance in Liverpool’s attacking lineup.
Mohamed Salah: Came off the bench to score and assist, showcasing his influence even as a substitute.
Possession was dominated by Liverpool (65%), with 20 shots compared to West Ham’s 8. Liverpool’s pressing and ball control suffocated West Ham, whose defensive lapses were magnified after Alvarez’s dismissal.
Conclusion:
This result propels Liverpool into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, continuing their quest to defend the trophy they won last season. Arne Slot’s side showed resilience after conceding early, and their attacking depth was on full display, with key contributions from both starters and substitutes. The victory keeps Liverpool’s momentum strong as they aim for silverware across multiple competitions this season.
Liverpool will next face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on September 28, 2024, hoping to carry their form into the league campaign.
YNWA