Liverpool bolstered their chances of securing a top-four place in the Premier League this afternoon, after securing a 5-2 win over West Ham United at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s men boasted a three-goal lead at the break, after goals from Hugo Ekitiké, Virgil Van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister all but secured the victory for the Reds.
Second-half strikes from Cody Gakpo and an own goal from Axel Disasi topped off the performance on Merseyside, which moves the side back into fifth-place.
However, goals from Tati Castellanos and Tomas Soucek handed Slot’s side numerous moments of nerves, but the Reds’ attacking quality managed to shine through.
Despite one player getting on the scoresheet in the triumph this afternoon, he once again struggled to impress, which has led to questions being asked about his future.
The stats behind Gakpo’s struggles against West Ham
For the first time in eight matches, winger Gakpo managed to get himself on the scoresheet, but he still struggled to impress throughout his 90-minute display.
The Dutchman’s strike moved the Reds three goals clear once again at Anfield, but it was just a cover-up for his dismal showing against a side occupying a place in the relegation zone.
He entered 11 duels during the 5-2 triumph this afternoon, but he was outfought in nine of them – with such a tally the highest of any player on the pitch.
Gakpo could have easily added a second goal to his tally, but his miss from just four yards out pretty much summed up his latest poor display on Merseyside.
He also failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, whilst also being unable to find a teammate with any of his crosses – further highlighting his struggles in attacking areas.
The Dutchman also managed to pick up yet another booking for his complaints in the second half, with the attacker lucky to avoid a second yellow after registering three fouls.
The Liverpool star who’s becoming a bigger problem than Gakpo
Given his struggles in recent weeks, Gakpo has been a player under huge pressure, especially given the emergence of teenage star Rio Ngumoha at Anfield.
The 17-year-old has often had to resort to minutes off the substitutes bench, something which has baffled the supporters – especially after his cameo against Nottingham Forest.
However, the youngster will have to further bide his time on Merseyside, with Slot seemingly deciding to opt for the likes of Gakpo ahead of him in the pecking order at present.
The Dutchman isn’t the only player who’s struggling to deliver despite the continued faith shown in him, with fellow winger Mohamed Salah another star who’s fallen way below expectations.
The Egyptian international has been a pivotal part of Liverpool’s success in recent seasons, but age certainly seems to have caught up with the 33-year-old.
He’s now on an 11-game run without a goal in the Premier League, with the attacker no longer a force to be reckoned with – as he was during previous years at Anfield.
Salah’s showing against West Ham was yet another example that he’s not at the level required, with his lack of form now becoming a bigger issue than that of Gakpo.
He lost possession a staggering 17 times during the win against the Hammers, the most of any Reds player, highlighting his lack of quality within the final third.
The winger also failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, whilst only finding a teammate with 11% of the crosses he delivered into the box.
|
Mohamed Salah – stats against West Ham |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
90 |
|
Touches |
46 |
|
Pass accuracy |
85% |
|
Dribbles completed |
0 |
|
Crosses completed |
1 |
|
Aerials lost |
100% |
|
Touches in 18-yard box |
5 |
|
Shots on target |
0 |
Salah also lost 100% of the aerial battles he entered, whilst only registering one shot on goal – with the forward undoubtedly struggling to provide the goods as he used to.
The Egyptian has certainly been a huge part of Liverpool’s success in recent years, but ultimately, it’s time the player was moved on to allow the next generation to flourish.
The club’s huge spending spree in the summer addressed numerous key issues in the squad, but it is evident that the club need added reinforcements in wide areas.
It’s extremely sad to see the decline of the winger given his previous levels, with he and Gakpo desperately needing to be replaced in the near future.
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