Image source: Liverpool fc
Introduction
Liverpool began their Carabao Cup title defence with a commanding 5-1 victory over West Ham United at Anfield on Wednesday night. The Reds, despite an early own goal setback, recovered swiftly to dominate the match and secure their place in the fourth round. Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo were the stars of the night, contributing goals as Liverpool put on a show for the home fans.
Team News: Nine Changes from Bournemouth Victory
Arne Slot made significant changes to his starting XI for this Carabao Cup clash. Federico Chiesa, the latest addition to Liverpool’s squad, made his first start for the club. Nine changes in total were made from the team that beat AFC Bournemouth, with several key players rested.
Liverpool Starting XI: Kelleher, Gomez, Endo (Morton, 81), Nunez, Chiesa (Salah, 59), Jones, Gakpo, Jota (Mac Allister, 59), Tsimikas (Robertson, 81), Quansah, Bradley.
Unused Subs: Jaros, Van Dijk, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Alexander-Arnold.
First Half: Quansah’s Misfortune and Liverpool’s Swift Response
The first half started with both teams cautiously testing the waters. There were few significant opportunities in the opening 15 minutes, with Jean-Clair Todibo heading wide from a set-piece and Jarrod Bowen’s tame shot easily collected by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Image source: Liverpool fc
West Ham thought they had taken the lead in the 18th minute when Danny Ings found the net, but the former Liverpool striker’s celebrations were short-lived as the offside flag was raised. However, the visitors didn’t have to wait long to break the deadlock.
In the 23rd minute, a corner from the left caused chaos in the Liverpool box. As Edson Alvarez tried to force the ball over the line, a clearance attempt by Wataru Endo ricocheted off Jarell Quansah and into the back of the net for an own goal. Anfield was momentarily silenced.
Yet, Liverpool’s response was swift and effective. Within minutes, they were back on level terms. Federico Chiesa, involved in his first key moment for the Reds, set up the equaliser. A slick exchange of passes down the left wing allowed Cody Gakpo to whip in a dangerous cross. Chiesa’s acrobatic attempt bounced off the ground, and Diogo Jota was on hand to flick the ball past Lukasz Fabianski.
After drawing level, Liverpool gained momentum. Gakpo came close to adding a second, his deflected shot missing the far post by inches. Despite their dominance, the half ended with the score still tied at 1-1.
Second Half: Jota and Salah Put Liverpool in Control
Liverpool came out for the second half with renewed intensity, and it didn’t take long for them to take the lead. Four minutes into the half, Diogo Jota grabbed his second goal of the evening. Curtis Jones initiated a fast break from deep in Liverpool’s half, exchanging passes with Gakpo before delivering a perfectly timed through ball to Jota. The Portuguese forward made no mistake, slotting the ball past Fabianski with composure.
Jota strikes again: Liverpool fc
With the Reds now in control, Arne Slot brought on Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister just before the hour mark. Federico Chiesa, who had put in a solid 59 minutes, made way for Salah as he continues to build up his fitness.
Salah’s impact was immediate, but before Liverpool could extend their lead, Fabianski pulled off a great save to deny Curtis Jones from close range. At the other end, Kelleher made a vital stop to deny Michail Antonio and keep Liverpool ahead.
West Ham had a brief moment of hope when they appealed for a penalty after Kostas Tsimikas was alleged to have handled the ball, but the referee waved away their protests. It was the last significant threat from the visitors as Liverpool soon took full control of the match.
Salah’s Strike and Gakpo’s Late Brilliance
Liverpool’s third goal came in the 72nd minute, and it was all about Salah’s predatory instincts. Mac Allister, who had been impressive since his introduction, saw his shot saved by Fabianski. However, the rebound fell kindly to Salah, who hammered the ball into the roof of the net, putting the result beyond doubt.
Image source: Liverpool fc
West Ham’s night went from bad to worse shortly after when Edson Alvarez was sent off for a second yellow card after fouling Salah. With a man advantage, Liverpool looked to add to their tally, and only a brilliant fingertip save from Fabianski denied Mac Allister from making it four, as his thunderous effort struck the post.
Cody Gakpo, who had been dangerous throughout the match, added gloss to the scoreline with two goals in the closing moments. His first was a clinical finish into the bottom left corner after a sweeping move from the Reds. Minutes later, a deflection helped his shot beat Fabianski again, making it 5-1 to Liverpool.
Chiesa’s Impact and Liverpool’s Tactical Flexibility
Federico Chiesa’s debut was one of the key talking points from the game. The Italian winger showed glimpses of his quality, with his acrobatic assist for Liverpool’s equaliser standing out. Although Chiesa was withdrawn after an hour, it’s clear that he will be an important player for Arne Slot as he adapts to the rigours of English football.
Arne Slot’s tactical flexibility was also on display. The manager’s decision to rotate the squad heavily while still maintaining Liverpool’s high-intensity style of play paid off. The introduction of Salah and Mac Allister injected fresh energy into the side, and Liverpool’s pressing game overwhelmed West Ham in the second half.
Gakpo’s Late Flourish and Jota’s Double Delight
Cody Gakpo continues to impress for Liverpool. His two late goals were just rewards for a tireless performance, and his link-up play with Jota and Chiesa showed that Liverpool’s attacking options are as potent as ever.
Diogo Jota’s brace was equally impressive. The Portuguese forward has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and his clinical finishing gave Liverpool the platform they needed to take control of the game.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s emphatic 5-1 victory over West Ham sends a clear message: the Reds are serious about defending their Carabao Cup title. With a blend of experienced stars like Salah and promising talents like Chiesa, the depth of Arne Slot’s squad will be key as they navigate a congested fixture list in the coming months.
This result also provides a confidence boost ahead of their Premier League campaign. With momentum on their side, Liverpool will be aiming to carry this form into their next matches, both in domestic competitions and in Europe.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com