Liverpool drew 2-2 at the London Stadium to West Ham, on April 27. Yet another disappointing result gives us a lot to analyse on this current Liverpool side. Here are the five things that we learnt.
Five Things We Learnt From Liverpool Drawing to West Ham
Liverpool Cannot Defend Set Pieces and Crosses
Jurgen Klopp’s side conceded two goals away at Everton and two goals away at West Ham. All four of these came from crosses.
Three were headers, and three set pieces, highlighting a key weakness for the Reds.
The worst was Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal to make it 2-0 to the Toffees. The defence, particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold, allowed him a free header at the back post from point-blank range.
However, Jarrod Bowen’s headed goal from the penalty spot was almost as bad. Allowing a 5-foot 9-inch winger to score, barely jumping, from such a distance is defensive incompetence. The team were caught out – as the corner was taken short quickly.
The Premier League is Now a Two-Horse Race
If it wasn’t certain before, it’s all but confirmed now.
Despite some calling this the greatest Premier League title race ever, it seems that Liverpool have dropped out, with Manchester City still to play five matches.
The Reds have to play Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Wolves: three very tricky teams each with a potential (less likely for Wolves) European spot to play for.
Meanwhile, City are one point ahead with two games in hand, and Arsenal two points ahead with one game in hand. Liverpool went from favourites with the best run-in to third place with the worst fixtures.
More Refereeing Incompetence?
During Liverpool vs West Ham, Alphonse Areola caught a cross in the 88th minute and suffered a knock in the process. Thinking a foul had been given – the Frenchman dropped the ball, ready to take a free-kick.
Cody Gakpo pro-actively chased the ball down, knowing the referee had not stopped play. Just before the Dutchman would’ve tapped the ball into an empty net, Anthony Taylor blew his whistle – despite there being no actual reason to.
This is yet another example of referees failing to uphold the laws of the game in fear of criticism for soft decisions. Just weeks ago, we saw Glenn Nyberg fail to penalise Gabriel Magalhaes for a handball in the box when he did not realise that David Raya had already taken his goal kick.
Luis Diaz Is Currently Liverpool’s Best Forward
Diaz has been Liverpool’s best player in the last two matches – though he hasn’t had many to compete with.
“Lucho” has been the most threatening attacker: nobody else has shown any tempo or directness.
Diaz created an incredible seven chances in this match, including an assist for Andy Robertson.
Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez has been missing great chances, Mohamed Salah has been increasingly uninvolved, and Diogo Jota has been in and out of the side. Cody Gakpo is the only one to come close, but his performances have perhaps looked better due to our expectations for him.
Jurgen Klopp Trusts Jarell Quansah
Quansah has started two of the last three (all in the league) with Ibrahima Konate on the bench. The Frenchman was surely fit enough to play, but Klopp trusted the England U21 star enough to give him a rest.
We’ve seen this happen a lot this season, but to see it continue consistently into the most vital period of the season proves that Klopp has faith in Quansah.
And rightly so. Quansah has been outstanding when he has played, reaching similar levels to Konate. The ex-Bristol Rovers loanee will be a vital asset to Arne Slot, who is set to take over next season.
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