Darwin Nunez's first Anfield goal for Liverpool and Alisson Becker's penalty save helped Jurgen Klopp's side back-up Sunday's win over Manchester City.
Nunez scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool edged a 1-0 win against West Ham United at Anfield. The forward’s header came after just 22 minutes.
The Hammers were awarded a penalty after Joe Gomez's foul on Jarrod Bowen in the closing stages of the first-half. The forward picked himself up to take it but Alisson produced a fine diving save in front of the Kop.
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The win moves Liverpool up to seventh in the Premier League table, and below is how the national media and the ECHO’s Paul Gorst reported on the game.
'Momentum. That is what this was all about'
Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail wrote: “Same result as the weekend for Liverpool, just none of the aggravation.
“While Sunday’s one goal win over their great modern rivals Manchester City was born of the fire and the fury of a desperate Anfield, this was a result altogether more calmly earned.
“No need for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to grow particularly agitated here either. His team were simply better than a West Ham side largely devoid of ambition. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.”
Before he added: “Momentum. That is what this was all about. Sunday’s win over City was dramatic and it was earned on a visceral occasion that has spilled over in to some nonsense subsequently. But, dramatic as it was, it would have meant very little had it not been followed by another victory here.
“Having started the season so poorly, Klopp’s team now have an opportunity to build. Given the injuries that have afflicted Klopp’s squad – forwards Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz will not play for a while – it would be a realistic aim now for Liverpool to simply be in touch with the top four by the time we break for the World Cup in a month’s time. Given where they were after defeat at Arsenal a week and a half ago, that would represent progress. Liverpool would have a platform. And for that to be the case, there will have to be more days like this. Liverpool were not spectacular nor were they ruthless. But they were better than West Ham all the same.”
'A box-office quality'
Paul Joyce of The Times wrote: “Liverpool’s celebrations were not as raucous as a few days ago, the atmosphere inside Anfield not nearly as frenzied, but Jürgen Klopp would have eked out just as much satisfaction.
“Victory over West Ham United validated Sunday’s headline success against Manchester City and, despite an anxious denouement, those players whose confidence appeared sapped not too long ago can begin to believe again. Winning always breeds momentum.
“Perhaps it was evident most in Darwin Núñez, who scored his first goal at Anfield during a swashbuckling display which lasted almost an hour and showcased all of the potential Liverpool hoped to harness when recruiting him from Benfica in the summer.
“There is a box-office quality to the forward, who could have had a hat-trick. That he did not meant Liverpool were also indebted to others.
“Initially it was to Alisson, whose penalty save from Jarrod Bowen came immediately before half-time and then, with time running out, James Milner’s goal-saving challenge on Tomas Soucek which left the West Ham manager, David Moyes, nursing a feeling of déjà vu.”
'Moyes slumped to the ground in disbelief'
Andy Hunter of the Guardian wrote: “West Ham showed far more adventure after the restart, albeit with Gianluca Scamacca toiling throughout the contest, and should have levelled when an up-and-under from Rice found substitute Saïd Benrahma completely unmarked behind Gomez at the back post. A tame volley, side-footed straight at Alisson, granted Liverpool a reprieve.
“The hosts’ rhythm was disrupted by five second-half substitutions but Firmino, Henderson and Curtis Jones, on for his first appearance of the season, all went close to scoring a much-needed second. Henderson also had a low cross diverted onto his own crossbar by Kurt Zouma, who injured himself in the process. 'That’s how your cat feels,' sang the Kop as the defender received lengthy treatment.
“With three minutes remaining Alisson came to Liverpool’s rescue once again. Benrahma escaped the attentions of Trent Alexander-Arnold too easily before crossing for Bowen, who controlled at the near post and dragged the ball back for Soucek. The goal was gaping, a point beckoned, but substitute James Milner got a vital touch on the midfielder’s shot before Alisson deflected the ball wide with his thigh. Moyes slumped to the ground in disbelief.”
'Offered further evidence he is starting to find his rhythm'
Neil Johnston of BBC Sport wrote : “Liverpool fans turned up at Anfield wondering whether the team could follow up the win over Manchester City on Sunday.
“The Reds have been unpredictable this season but they made it three straight wins in all competitions as Nunez made his mark.
“It has not been an easy start to life for the Uruguay striker who arrived to much fanfare from Benfica for an initial £64m in the summer.
“Against West Ham, Nunez offered further evidence he is starting to find his rhythm and confidence. He put himself in an excellent position to meet Tsimikas' cross and beat Fabianski for his third goal in four games.”
'An old favourite down the other end that proved just as important'
Paul Gorst of the Liverpool ECHO wrote : “If there is something tangible to be found at the end of this Liverpool season, then the last seven days might just prove to be seminal for Jurgen Klopp.
“After reigniting their spark with seven goals at Rangers last week, back-to-back home victories by the slender margin of 1-0 against Manchester City and West Ham United may have finally got the Reds rolling in the Premier League.
“And if the Kop has a new doyen in match-winner Darwin Nunez, it was an old favourite down the other end that proved just as important to this triumph. Quite how Alisson Becker kept out Tomas Soucek late on only the Liverpool goalkeeper will know. Add that to his first-half penalty save from Jarrod Bowen and the Reds have their brilliant Brazilian between the sticks to thank for a massively important three points.”
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