Premier League champions Liverpool sealed a morale-boosting win over West Ham, with the pressure on Arne Slot alleviated somewhat after last weekend’s loss to Nottingham Forest was compounded by a humiliating 4-1 defeat to PSV in Europe.
Liverpool wasted numerous chances and were far from their best but ultimately enjoyed a comfortable afternoon at London Stadium, with Alexander Isak finally scoring his first top-flight goal for the Reds.
The £125m summer signing broke the deadlock in the second half, with Cody Gakpo adding a second late in stoppage time after West Ham were reduced to 10 men late on.
Talisman Lucas Paqueta utterly lost his head in bizarre scenes, repeatedly confronting referee Darren England and receiving a booking for dissent. Captain Jarrod Bowen - who wasted a brilliant chance to equalise before Gakpo’s goal - and several other players, including Liverpool’s Alisson, tried to dissuade the Brazilian but Paqueta continued to rant and was handed a second yellow and given his marching orders.
The result sees Liverpool move up to eighth, while West Ham remain 17th but are level on points with Leeds in the relegation zone.
Follow all the latest from the London Stadium below:
West Ham v Liverpool Live
- West Ham host reigning champions Liverpool | Kick off at 2.05pm
- Both sides with point to prove after recent struggles | Live on Sky Sports
- Liverpool on worst run since 1950s and desperate for turnaround against relegation-threatened Hammers
- Salah dropped as Slot shuffles his cards in must-win clash
- West Ham XI: Areola, Wan Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Diouf, Magassa, Potts, Fernandes, Paqueta, Bowen, Wilson
- Liverpool XI: Alisson, Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo
- '90+2 GOAL! Cody Gakpo half-volley seals much-needed three points [WHU 0-2 LIV]
- '84 RED CARD! Lucas Paqueta sent off after two back-to-back yellows for dissent [WHU 0-1 LIV]
- '60 GOAL! Alexander Isak scores first top-flight goal for Liverpool [WHU 0-1 LIV]
West Ham United FC 0 - 2 Liverpool FC
Arne Slot straddling a cliff face but Liverpool reprieve shows recovery possible
17:40 , Will Castle at London StadiumArne Slot was facing a doomsday scenario had he left London with a 10th loss in 13 games. Inspired in different ways by his £100m entities, his fight to survive at Liverpool will go on at least another gameweek.
With every game at the moment comes the risk of a new low for the reigning Premier League champions. The Reds came to the London Stadium on their worst run since 1952/53 and had also lost each of their last five away league games in the capital. Slot needed a change of fortunes on almost every front, and he received just that reprieve against a West Ham side mourning mourning the death of club icon Billy Bonds.
A full recovery is not guaranteed for the current Liverpool manager - but this is proof that Slot’s reign isn’t yet untenable.
Arne Slot straddling a cliff face but Liverpool reprieve shows recovery possible
Nuno: 'The passing of Billy Bonds affected everybody'
17:15 , Flo CliffordNuno continues: “I think we achieved good moments in spells and reached the spaces in the final third but the decision was not as accurate as we all wished.
On Paqueta’s red card, he says: “Allow me to speak with Lucas first and try to understand why. Even with one man less the boys had a bit of fight. The spirit and the desire was there in a day that was very sad for us as a club.
“The passing of Billy Bonds affected everybody and we wanted to change the atmosphere with our actions. The boys gave it a fight so let's keep on going.”
Arne Slot: 'Isak is a top striker'
17:07 , Flo CliffordArne Slot continues, saying Isak “is a top striker. This finish was very good. I kept him in just long enough for him to get a goal for the team and himself.”
Asked about his decision to bench Salah, he says: “We play a lot of games. In 10 days we played four. These players are such quality players. Mo has been so important for the club and will be so important for the club so let’s see what happens on Wednesday [against Sunderland].”
Arne Slot: Lack of 'gifts' to opposition team helpful
17:00 , Flo CliffordArne Slot speaks to BBC MOTD now. He says: “A win and that was what we mainly needed and we got a clean sheet as well which is always helpful. Not giving anything away to the other team as a gift as we have done far too many times this season. The other team hardly created a chance except in the final minute through [Jarrod] Bowen.
“West Ham made it a difficult game for us but we did very well defensively. The good thing was that they only had one chance.”
Nuno: 'No way' a step backwards
16:54 , Flo CliffordNuno continues: “It's a disappointing day. We felt we were in the game, we were controlling the game. A lack of concentration cost us.
“We fought against a good team. The final pass, the final cross wasn't there.”
Is the result a step backwards? He’s emphatic: “No way, no way. We didn't perform as well as should have. We'll bounce back."”
Nuno Espirito Santo 'going to try to understand' Lucas Paqueta's red
16:49 , Flo CliffordWest Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo is asked about Lucas Paqueta’s red card. He says: “I'm not going to comment too much. First of all I'm going to speak to Lucas and try to understand his frustrations and his behaviour.
“We need all the players and we are going to need them until the end of the season. Every player out, we're going to miss them.”
Arne Slot: 'We played the game I wanted us to play'
16:42 , Flo CliffordArne Slot continues: “It helps if you don't go 1-0 down after five minutes because then you are more open. We played the game I wanted us to play.
“What I saw meant a lot to our players and our fans. The fans had to travel a long way to suport a team that has been performing poorly. On Wednesday we face Sunderland. It's a very busy schedule for everyone.
“This is a good first step for us - that we won and had a clean sheet.”
Isak's first Premier League goal 'does feel significant' - Slot
16:35 , Flo CliffordArne Slot speaks to Sky Sports. On Alexander Isak’s first Premier League goal for Liverpool, he says: “I think it does feel significant. I wasn't planning to give him many more minutes [before taking him off].
“There's definitely a feeling of relief because if you have lost so many times then winning is important. We hardly conceded a chance. We were able to create chances ourselves. In other games we gave away a lot more than we did today.”
Mateus Fernandes: 'When Lucas was sent off it was more difficult'
16:30 , Flo CliffordWest Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes tells Sky Sports: “They're a good team with a lot of quality. We need to be more consistent. It was a difficult game for us. We tried to play counter-attack and did well. Second half... when Lucas was sent off it was more difficult for us.
“No, I don't think [we've gone backwards]. We have quality in the squad to win much more games.”
Liverpool beat West Ham
16:25 , Flo CliffordIt was notable how Liverpool didn’t really celebrate that win; the overwhelming feeling was more of relief. Arne Slot gave the away end a double thumbs up, but looked cool and composed. It wasn’t flashy, but they got the job done.
Alexander Isak: 'When you go through tough times it's about fighting'
16:20 , Flo CliffordIsak adds: “We knew it was going to be difficult to get back to winning ways after our recent form. Happy that we won and happy to be on the scoresheet as well."
“When you are going through tough times as a team, it is about fighting. The boys did really well.”
Alexander Isak: 'It's been a long time coming'
16:16 , Flo CliffordAlexander Isak tells Sky Sports: “I’m aware that it has been a long time coming and I have been trying to get back to my best form. I’m still on the way but I am happy to get that goal. The best feeling today is that we win the game and that is the best way to get a good spirit in the group, but of course I am a striker so scoring goals will always help me.
“We have to use this win in a good way but also be humble. We have to stay focused and keep working hard to keep this momentum.”
FULL-TIME: West Ham 0-2 Liverpool
16:00 , Flo CliffordAnd that’s it!
A maiden Premier League goal for Alexander Isak for his new team set Liverpool on the path to victory. West Ham lacked bite in front of goal and Jarrod Bowen missed a fine chance to level, before Cody Gakpo sealed the deal with a stoppage-time strike.
Liverpool were helped by Lucas Paqueta’s utterly bizarre sending-off for repeated backchat to referee Darren England, which has done West Ham absolutely no favours.
West Ham 0-2 Liverpool
15:58 , Flo Clifford90+5 mins: “You’ll never walk alone” rings out. Ultimately a comfortable, if not very stylish, afternoon for Liverpool.
Robertson is on for Kerkez.
Arne Slot's fight to survive will go on another gameweek
15:57 , Will Castle at London StadiumCody Gakpo puts it to bed and ensures Liverpool’s second Premier League win since September. Arne Slot chants ring out of the away end - his fight to survive will go on at least another gameweek.
GOAL! West Ham 0-2 Liverpool
15:56 , Flo Clifford90+2 mins: Sigh of relief for Liverpool! It’s well-worked by Szoboszlai on the right to Gomez, who lays it off for Gakpo. The Dutchman seals the game on the spin, half-volleying a fierce strike into the back of the net, and celebrates by pointing at the badge on his chest.
West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:54 , Flo Clifford90+2 mins: 10-man West Ham are putting on more pressure now than they did with the full 11. Todibo plays it forward for Fullkrug but van Dijk is there to cut it out. West Ham come again, but Alisson collects it calmly.
West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:54 , Flo Clifford90 mins: FIVE minutes added on. Can the reigning champions hold on?
CLOSE! West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:51 , Flo Clifford88 mins: Best chance of the day for West Ham. Fullkrug battles away and slides the ball past two Liverpool defenders, at full stretch on the edge of the box; he manages to get it across to Bowen but the captain flashes just a fraction wide of the post!
Soucek replaces Potts.
West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:48 , Flo Clifford85 mins: That was just ridiculous. Paqueta just went on and on. Major apology owed to his teammates there.
And he sarcastically applauds the officials as he goes off, which won’t help.
RED CARD! West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:47 , Flo Clifford84 mins: What on earth?!
Boos ring out from the home fans as Kerkez goes to ground. Paqueta goes to remonstrate with Darren England and has completely lost his head; Bowen, Fernandes and even Alisson try to dissuade him, but he talks himself into two yellows for dissent in quick succession - and he’s off! He’s only just come back from a suspension!
CLOSE! West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:43 , Flo Clifford80 mins: Diouf bends a shot in but it’s blocked, and he takes the resulting throw-in. West Ham have a little bit more urgency about them now.
Paqueta takes a couple of touches and crosses in from Fullkrug, who goes wide mere yards out, but Paqueta was offside anyway.
West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:41 , Flo Clifford78 mins: Guilherme floats free in the centre of the park and lays it off for Wilson to his left; warning signs flashing for Liverpool but Konate gets a touch and Liverpool get bodies back.
Wilson comes off for Fullkrug.
CLOSE! West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:39 , Flo Clifford75 mins: Fernandes stomps on Gravenberch’s foot. This has gone rather flat again.
Wirtz, after a very strong performance, is hooked for Jones.
Having said that, Ekitike has a go after a tidy link-up with Jones on the edge of the box, and flashes a shot wide!
West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:34 , Flo Clifford71 mins: Liverpool head another West Ham corner away. Nuno looks pensive on the sideline.
West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:31 , Flo Clifford68 mins: And the goalscorer is withdrawn, for Ekitike, who was withdrawn against PSV in the week with a back injury. The pair exchange a hug as the Swede makes his exit.
Magassa, on a booking, is replaced by Guilherme.
West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:29 , Flo Clifford66 mins: First booking of this game goes to Magassa, who lunges in late on Szoboszlai.
Isak finally ends his goal drought
15:27 , Will CastleAlexander Isak has ended his goal drought with a finish that somewhat resembles the price-tag Liverpool paid for him. His first Premier League goal for the Reds will be the headline, but that was all about the work from Florian Wirtz, patiently holding the ball up on the edge of the area before the gap was created for the ball to be played into Gakpo, who kept himself onside. Really well worked by Liverpool.
West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:26 , Flo Clifford63 mins: That was instinctive from Isak, no over-thinking, just straight in the back of the net.
Will that open the floodgates?
Kerkez wins a corner; the delivery is decent but Areola punches clear.
GOAL! West Ham 0-1 Liverpool
15:23 , Flo Clifford60 mins: Isak gets his first Premier League goal for Liverpool!!
Well how about that? Liverpool have a throw-in, it’s worked to Wirtz on the edge of the box, cut back by Gakpo, with Isak waiting yards out, rolling it precisely into the corner past Areola.
381 minutes into his Liverpool career, Isak has his first top-flight goal.
CHANCE! West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
15:22 , Flo Clifford59 mins: Paqueta knocks it down and goes for a spectacular long-range attempt, but it’s wayward.
Would have been quite the opener, though.
So far much more of the action has been in Liverpool’s half, but now the visitors counter and Wirtz crosses, with Mavropanos just about getting there in time!
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
15:20 , Flo Clifford57 mins: Paqueta curls it in; Konate is first to it, heading behind for another corner, this time from the opposite side.
Potts takes, but Gakpo heads it clear.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
15:19 , Flo Clifford56 mins: Bowen wins West Ham a corner, which gets the home fans singing inside this very sleepy London Stadium.
Kerkez, by the way, is back up after that crunching tackle from Potts.
Gakpo heads the corner clear, but not very far. West Ham have a throw-in and knock the ball about for a bit.
Now they actually build an attack, but Bowen is closed down and his shot deflects behind for another corner.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
15:16 , Flo Clifford53 mins: Kerkez is down as Liverpool work the ball to Gakpo in the box, but it’s cut out and play continues.
West Ham make a foray down the other end. Alisson fumbles the ball from Diouf initially but manages to recover, and takes his sweet time getting it back in play.
This game has yet to spark into life.
CHANCE! West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
15:13 , Flo Clifford50 mins: Gakpo finds himself in space but covers his face in frustration as he wastes another chance in front of goal, whacking it into the stands where his own fans are gathered.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
15:12 , Flo Clifford47 mins: No changes for either team at the break.
A nifty pass from Mac Allister opens the game up but Liverpool are missing that lethal final ball again.
SECOND HALF: West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
15:11 , Flo CliffordBack underway at London Stadium.
A rare positive stat for Liverpool
15:04 , Will Castle at London StadiumFor only the second time since the Merseyside derby on 20 September, Liverpool have survived a first half of Premier League football without conceding a goal.
Premier League scores
15:03 , Flo Clifford- West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Brighton
- Aston Villa 0-0 Wolves
De Cuyper put Brighton ahead late in the first half against Forest, for the only goal of these three kickoffs. It’s not been the most thrilling afternoon.
HALF-TIME: West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:57 , Flo CliffordLiverpool look more promising than in recent days, more solid at the back, although they haven’t been greatly troubled by West Ham, who have been largely happy to sit back and absorb the pressure.
The visitors have looked in better nick going forward too, particularly through Wirtz, but haven’t been able to make their chances count. Isak looks bereft of confidence in front of goal and Wirtz was too timid with the best chance of the game late in that half.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:53 , Flo Clifford45+1 mins: One minute added on to this half.
West Ham have a corner... Potts’ delivery is sent towards Mavropanos at the far post, but Liverpool cut it out.
That damp squib is the end of a rather flat half.
West Ham fans with premature 'sacked' chants
14:50 , Will Castle at London Stadium"Sacked in the morning" chants coming from the West Ham fans - maybe a bit premature, or maybe Hammers fans recognise a draw against their side isn't exactly a job-saving result.
CHANCE! West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:49 , Flo Clifford43 mins: Gomez fires a lovely cross goalward; Mavropanos is beaten but Areola gets down low to palm it clear. It’s a crucial clearance but it only goes as far as Gakpo; Liverpool come again and Areola leaps off his line to punch it behind. Well saved.
Misses like that will make people forget about Florian Wirtz's improved performance
14:47 , Will Castle at London StadiumBest chance of the half goes Liverpool’s way as Cody Gakpo knocks the cross-ball back down to Florian Wirtz, who running onto it can only produce a tame finish - not getting the power or precision to really trouble Alphonse Areola. Wirtz has looked revitalised so far but misses like that will make people forget about his wider performance.
CLOSE! West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:45 , Flo Clifford40 mins: Wilson waves his arm around wildly challenging van Dijk and elbows the Dutchman in the neck. That was rather poor. Van Dijk isn’t best pleased and looks in some pain.
Oooh, a long ball forward by van Dijk completely catches out West Ham; Wan-Bissaka flails a leg out in the box but doesn’t get there, Gakpo takes a touch and nods it on to Wirtz, but the German’s attempt on the spin is poor and Areola blocks. Waste of a chance.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:42 , Flo Clifford37 mins: Bowen wriggles free and forces van Dijk to track back, with Mac Allister eventually cutting it out.
At risk of jinxing it for either side, you’d say both managers would be fairly pleased with this display so far. Liverpool haven’t conceded early (the bar is low, to be fair) and are looking a bit more solid at the back; West Ham are frustrating them nicely.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:38 , Flo Clifford33 mins: Wirtz has recovered after that stamp and curls in another ball, he’s been the brightest of the Liverpool bunch today. Gakpo takes a touch right in front of goal but it’s poor and Todibo nicks it off him quickly.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:36 , Flo Clifford30 mins: Szoboszlai plays it in, Paqueta has to have a couple of tries but eventually clears... the ball is worked back in by Mac Allister but Areola isn’t too troubled by that strike, collecting easily.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:35 , Flo Clifford29 mins: Gakpo tries to pull it back for Szoboszlai but Diouf cuts it out smartly.
Wirtz hits the deck after having his foot stamped on and wins a free-kick, out on the far left.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:33 , Flo Clifford28 mins: Referee Darren England hasn’t made any friends on either side with those two calls.
Sloppy from Mac Allister now as he gives the ball away cheaply and Kerkez does well to get in front of Wilson. It’s all rather messy at the moment.
Isak now darts into the box past Mavropanos but tracks back and into a collection of West Ham players, and nullified.
Florian Wirtz has been Liverpool's bright spark
14:32 , Will Castle at London StadiumFlorian Wirtz has been Liverpool’s bright spark so far. He's providing the attacking impetus and actually providing Alexander Isak with service. Maybe a quick reset with injury was exactly what he needed.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:31 , Flo Clifford25 mins: The West Ham faithful aren’t happy as Konate bundles Diouf over after a poor ball forward by Kerkez left the Frenchman scrambling. It looked like a hand to the face there, but no free-kick is given.
Now Magassa launches a lunging tackle on Gravenberch, bringing him down just a fraction outside the box, although their momentum carries both of them into the area. Risky that. Nothing doing, though.
CLOSE! West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:29 , Flo Clifford21 mins: Superb block by Areola! Gomez has been lively so far, floating the ball across goal to Gakpo, who heads back to Isak six yards out. The Swede hooks a stylish half-bicycle kick goalward but Areola makes the block.
CHANCE! West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:25 , Flo Clifford19 mins: Chance for the hosts! Fernandes lobs the ball from deep in midfield into the path of Wilson, but his strike takes a deflection off the outstretched foot of Konate, rapidly tracking back, and curls beyond the goal.
Bowen’s corner doesn’t fall nicely for Mavropanos at the back post, drifting out of play.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:23 , Flo Clifford17 mins: That looked like a genuine concern for Alisson, by the way, after all the debate yesterday over goalkeepers and tactical injuries.
Isak looks shorn of confidence. Wirtz floats a lovely ball across the face of goal but the Swede hangs back, for some reason, instead of getting to the back post. Diouf is there to make the clearance; the resulting corner is headed over by a frustrated van Dijk.
Liverpool fans hold breath over Alisson
14:21 , Will Castle at London StadiumLiverpool fans held their breath as Alisson went down injured after clattering in Joe Gomez punching a cross. Giorgi Mamardashvili was quickly called upon off the bench but with it appearing the Brazilian was just winded, he’s been sat back down.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:20 , Flo Clifford14 mins: Alisson is fine to continue.
Youngster Potts drives up the pitch and aims a cross in Wilson’s direction but it’s an easy clearance for Konate.
CHANCE! West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:18 , Flo Clifford12 mins: Flash of promise from West Ham as Wan-Bissaka clips a lovely ball across the box but it’s beyond Wilson’s reach!
Fernandes goes for an ambitious shot from a long way out, but it’s blocked the whistle goes. Gomez and Alisson collided both trying to clear Wan-Bissaka’s dangerous cross, and the keeper is down on the ground and needing attention.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:15 , Flo Clifford9 mins: Liverpool - playing in their cream away kit - come forward in numbers now but a tentative attack, with Szoboszlai making the run, is cleared by Todibo. A hesitant start for both teams.
West Ham 0-0 Liverpool
14:11 , Flo Clifford4 mins: West Ham fall asleep in midfield and Liverpool look to take advantage... but Isak hacks an attempt way over the bar, to jeers from the home support.
Applause rings out again at the fourth minute, in honour of former No 4 Billy Bonds.
KICK-OFF: West Ham vs Liverpool
14:06 , Flo CliffordAfter a moving minute of applause, Jarrod Bowen laid a shirt bearing Bonds’ No 4 in front of the home faithful.
We’re now underway at London Stadium.
Players out
14:02 , Flo CliffordBoth teams are out as the West Ham faithful sing Blowing Bubbles with extra gusto today.
Moments to go before kick-off.
Rousing tribute for Billy Bonds
14:02 , Will Castle at London Stadium“Six foot two, eyes of blue. The immortal Billy Bonds.”
Applause rings around the stadium as a fitting video package honours the life of West Ham’s longest-serving player.
Tributes paid to Billy Bonds
13:58 , Flo Clifford
Jarrod Bowen pays tribute to Billy Bonds
13:55 , Flo CliffordWest Ham captain Jarrod Bowen said on Sky Sports: “I think you can see the reaction from everyone online already. What he meant to this club, and what he achieved with this club, obviously a stand named after him as well. It’s a sad day for everyone. Our condolences all go to his family, I know the supporters here will make noise for him today as well.
“He’s probably going to down as West Ham’s biggest legend, the best club captain that they’ve had, achieved so much. I’ll never emulate that success but to put on the captain’s armband like he did, for me is a big thing.”
Arne Slot: 'We have more players on the bench than just Mo'
13:50 , Flo CliffordArne Slot tells Sky Sports: “We have more players on the bench than just Mo but I understand why you ask the question. We’re playing four games in 10 days. I have many good players, so today I chose this line-up. Sometimes Isak has been on the bench, sometimes Wirtz so I understand why it’s about the players on the bench but it’s also about those that start.
“It’s not an easy decision as I have many more than 11 good players – it’s not the first time I haven’t played Mo, just like I’ve decided not to play Isak, Wirtz and Etikite.”
West Ham great Billy Bonds dies aged 79
13:45 , Flo CliffordWest Ham United legend Billy Bonds has passed away peacefully aged 79.
Bonds remains the longest-serving player in West Ham’s history and made 799 appearance for the club across a 21-year career (1967-1988) and twice won the FA Cup as captain.
He also won the Second Division title, four Hammer of the Year awards, had two testimonials, and claimed both a PFA merit award and an MBE for services to football.
West Ham confirmed that a period of appreciation to honour Bonds will be held before kick-off at today’s Premier League home fixture against Liverpool.
Can Arne Slot save his job from the wreckage of Liverpool’s season?
13:40 , Flo CliffordThese are abnormal times at Anfield and so Arne Slot reached for a semblance of normality. A manager who can be at his most rational after defeats said it was normal that, in such circumstances, there would be talk about his position.
Nine weeks ago, there were none, and for obvious reasons. Liverpool had a five-point lead at the Premier League summit. Slot had won the title in his maiden season. He seemed the seamless successor, the Bob Paisley to Jurgen Klopp’s Bill Shankly. Now there are other flashbacks to Liverpool’s past: by losing three successive matches by at least three goals, Slot has done something no one accomplished since the long-forgotten Don Welsh in the relegation season of 1953-54.
More from Richard Jolly here:
Can Arne Slot save his job from the wreckage of Liverpool’s season?
‘I’m past being angry’: Liverpool midfielder sums up Anfield mood with admission on ‘unacceptable’ form
13:30 , Flo CliffordLiverpool midfielder Curtis Jones admitted “we’re in the sh**” and said he was “past being angry” after the 4-1 defeat to PSV in the Champions League consigned the Reds to their worst run of form in 12 years.
Boyhood Liverpool fan Jones told RTE: “I don’t have the answers. Honestly, I don’t. I’m saying that to everybody. It’s just unacceptable.
“I don’t even have to wait to think about it. I’m past being angry inside. I’m at the point now where I just don’t have the words.
“It’s hard because I’m playing for the team I support. I’m a fan, and I’ve seen this club all my life.”
‘I’m past being angry’: Liverpool star sums up Anfield mood after latest defeat
Jamie Carragher: Arne Slot ‘has a week to save Liverpool job’
13:25 , Flo CliffordBack to Liverpool’s crisis, then... Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher claims that Arne Slot has a week to save his job and cannot afford another defeat over the coming days.
Why West Ham v Liverpool and other Premier League games will kick off at unusual time
13:20 , Flo CliffordThree Premier League matches will kick off at the unusual time of 2.05pm GMT on Sunday.
West Ham v Liverpool is the most eye-catching, with Arne Slot under serious pressure to turn his side’s dismal season around after damaging back-to-back home defeats to Nottingham Forest in the top flight and PSV in the Champions League this week.
The three 2.05pm kick-offs are all starting at that time as a result of broadcasting schedules. More here:
Why West Ham v Liverpool and other Premier League games will kick off at unusual time
Somber atmosphere at West Ham
13:17 , Will Castle at London StadiumThere’s a somber atmosphere outside the London Stadium in the build-up to this afternoon’s game. We learned a mere hour ago that Hammers great Billy Bonds had passed at the age of 79. The longest-serving player in the club’s 130-year history, he embodied West Ham. With emotions so raw, expect a fitting tribute ahead of kick-off.
Team news - West Ham
13:14 , Flo CliffordThree changes for the hosts: Konstantinos Mavropanos, Soungoutou Magassa, and Lucas Paqueta are in for Luis Guilherme, Max Kilman, and Igor Julio.
Arne Slot vows to ‘keep fighting no matter how difficult’ in hopes of changing Liverpool’s form
13:10 , Flo CliffordArne Slot has promised that his Liverpool team will ‘keep fighting no matter how difficult’ it gets for them to turnaround their shocking run of form.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with West Ham, Slot was asked if he had had any conversations with the owners about his future following the PSV defeat. He confirmed they remain behind him when he replied: “We’ve had the same conversations that we’ve had since I’m here.
“We fight on, and we try to improve, that’s what we all try but the conversations have been the same as they’ve been for the past one-and-a-half years.”
Arne Slot vows to ‘keep fighting’ in hopes of changing Liverpool’s form
Arne Slot has bitten the bullet
13:03 , Will Castle at London StadiumArne Slot has bitten the bullet and dropped Mohamed Salah to the bench for the first time in the Premier League this season. It's the headline news of a bold team selection from the under-pressure Dutchman, who welcomes Florian Wirtz back from injury to join forces with Dominik Szoboszlai in attacking midfield, and opts to start Alexander Isak ahead of Hugo Ekitike. Joe Gomez is also back in the starting XI - a defender at right-back.
Team news - Liverpool
13:01 , Flo CliffordThe big news is that Arne Slot has dropped Mo Salah after an underwhelming few games; many were calling for him to make that decision but it’s still a surprise to see him on the bench.
Florian Wirtz is back in, while Hugo Ekitike, who had a back issue against PSV and was withdrawn in the second half, is on the bench, with Alexander Isak leading the line.
Alisson is back in goal after illness, with Giorgi Mamardashvili on the bench; Joe Gomez replaces Curtis Jones at right-back but Ibrahima Konate retains his place at centre-back despite being at fault for one of PSV’s goals midweek.
Line-ups - Liverpool
12:56 , Flo CliffordLiverpool XI: Alisson, Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo
Subs: Mamardashvili, Endo, Salah, Chiesa, Jones, Ekitike, Robertson, Nyoni, Ngumoha
Line-ups - West Ham
12:54 , Flo CliffordWest Ham XI: Areola, Wan Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Diouf, Magassa, Potts, Fernandes, Paqueta, Bowen, Wilson
Subs: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Igor, Fullkrug, Guilherme, Rodriguez, Soucek, Irving
Joe Cole: Billy Bonds was 'everything that's good about West Ham'
12:41 , Flo CliffordThe former midfielder Joe Cole has paid tribute to Bonds, describing the Irons’ former captain as “everything that’s good about West Ham”.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Cole said: “Billy Bonds was manager when I signed as a kid and he was really kind to me and my family. Growing up at West Ham, his name’s synonymous with the club.
“Everything that’s good about West Ham, Billy Bonds, that was him. It’s really sad news and thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Steven Gerrard rejects Liverpool ‘crisis’ but warns ‘terrible run’ could continue unless major change is made
12:35 , Flo CliffordSteven Gerrard has insisted that Liverpool are not yet in a “crisis” but warned that their dismal run of form could get even worse unless Arne Slot finds a solution to the lack of balance in the team.
“Crisis is a very strong word and disrespectful to the players and manager who have served this football club,” former Liverpool captain Gerrard said on TNT Sports.
“I wouldn't use that word but this team is on a terrible run, they just keep bleeding. They're wide open and unless the manager can find a solution it's going to continue.”
Hugo Ekitike injury update as Liverpool star risks missing must-win game
12:25 , Flo CliffordLiverpool forward Hugo Ekitike was substituted during the 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven because he was struggling with a back injury, Arne Slot confirmed.
Ekitike was withdrawn in the 61st minute and replaced by Alexander Isak as the Reds fell to their ninth defeat in 12 games to continue their dismal run of form.
The Frenchman could be a doubt to face West Ham today, in what is turning into a must-win pressure game for the champions as they bid to end their losing run.
West Ham to honour legendary Billy Bonds ahead of today's fixture
12:20 , Flo CliffordFollowing his playing career, Bonds became first-team manager in 1990 and led West Ham to promotion from Division Two and took them to the FA Cup semi-final in 1991. Bonds also brought the club back to the top flight in 1993 following their relegation the previous year.
In 2013 was presented with the club’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement award and he was voted by fans as West Ham United’s greatest-ever player five years later.
The London Stadium has the Billy Bonds Stand named in his honour.
Bonds is survived by daughters Claire and Katie, and grand-daughters Eloise and Elissa.
West Ham also confirmed that a period of appreciation to honour Bonds will be held before kick-off at today’s Premier League home fixture against Liverpool.
West Ham great Billy Bonds dies aged 79
12:15 , Flo CliffordThe club shared a statement from Bonds’ family on Sunday afternoon which reads: “We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today. He was devoted to his family and was the most kind, loyal, selfless, and loving person.
“Dad loved West Ham United and its wonderful supporters with all his heart and treasured every moment of his time at the Club.
"He will always be in our hearts and eternally missed. We take comfort knowing that his legacy will live on forever.”
The club added it shared the news “with deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts”, and paid tribute to “our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader”.
West Ham great Billy Bonds dies aged 79
12:08 , Flo CliffordWest Ham United legend Billy Bonds has passed away peacefully aged 79.
Bonds remains the longest-serving player in West Ham’s history and made 799 appearance for the club across a 21-year career (1967-1988) and twice won the FA Cup as captain.
He also won the Second Division title, four Hammer of the Year awards, had two testimonials, and claimed both a PFA merit award and an MBE for services to football.
Predicted line-ups
12:05 , Flo CliffordWest Ham XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Todibo, Diouf; Fernandes, Potts, Paqueta; Bowen, Wilson, Guilherme
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo
Team news
11:55 , Flo CliffordCrysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos remain doubts for West Ham but Lucas Paqueta returns from suspension after sitting out the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
Liverpool could welcome back Alisson in goal after he missed the PSV defeat due to illness while Hugo Ekitike could be fine despite his back injury in midweek. Florian Wirtz could have returned to training ahead of the trip to the London stadium after missing the last two matches due to a muscle injury.
How can I watch it?
11:45 , Flo CliffordIt will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event - following the earlier Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian and Celtic.
When is West Ham v Liverpool?
11:40 , Flo CliffordThe match will kick off at 2:05pm GMT on Sunday 30 November at the London Stadium.
West Ham vs Liverpool
11:35 , Flo CliffordArne Slot will be desperate for Liverpool to end their losing run as the struggling Premier League champions head to West Ham.
The Reds are on a historically dismal run of form, with the 4-1 loss at home to PSV Eindhoven their ninth defeat in 12 games.
The last time things were that bad was more than 70 years ago but Slot has insisted Liverpool will “fight on” and the Dutchman still retains the faith of the club’s hierarchy after leading the Reds to the Premier League title last season.
West Ham may have started the weekend in 17th, but Nuno Espirito Santo has picked up seven points from nine games, with the Hammers showing signs of life under the Portuguese.
Already in the bottom half of the table, having lost six of their last seven in the Premier League, the pressure will really be on Slot if Liverpool fall to another defeat at the London Stadium.
Good morning
11:30 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to live coverage of West Ham v Liverpool in a Premier League clash between two struggling sides.
The Hammers are only just above relegation, while the reigning champions have unexpectedly found themselves in relegation form too... a win today would be huge for both clubs.
Follow all the action here!
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