Liverpool ratings: Van Dijk 5/10 as title hopes hit again at West Ham

Liverpool’s remaining hopes of successful the Premier League title dwindled additional on Saturday with their 2-2 draw towards West Ham United on the London Stadium.

A quiet first half produced little by means of possibilities till Luis Díaz hit the publish after some optimistic particular person play, however it was the Hammers who took the lead moments later as Jarrod Bowen headed in from a nook in the previous few minutes of the half.

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The Reds responded rapidly after the break by way of Andy Robertson. That offered some much-needed momentum for Jürgen Klopp’s facet, who acquired their noses in entrance within the sixty fifth minute when Cody Gakpo’s close-range strike deflected off a number of West Ham gamers earlier than getting in. Nevertheless, Liverpool may solely maintain on till the 77th minute. Bowen was concerned once more with the England worldwide turning supplier for Michail Antonio to move within the equaliser.

A triple substitution that included the introduction of Mohamed Salah wasn’t sufficient ultimately as Liverpool dropped extra factors. They’re now two factors behind league leaders Arsenal, having performed a recreation extra and with solely three matches left earlier than the tip of the season.

Positives

A robust response after half-time acquired Liverpool again into the sport, however they have been let down once more by their defending.

Negatives

Liverpool went behind for the sixteenth time within the Premier League this season, and there have been extra indicators of poor defending from set items. Any remaining hopes of successful the title are absolutely gone.

Supervisor ranking (out of 10)

Jürgen Klopp, 6 — There was little Klopp may do as his facet conceded poorly from a set piece as soon as once more. He was additionally unfortunate to concede one other simply as he was making a triple substitution, though the consequence throws a special gentle on his determination to bench Salah.

Participant scores (1-10; 10 = greatest)

GK Alisson Becker, 5 — The Liverpool goalkeeper could not get a powerful sufficient hand on the header from Bowen, however his defence may have offered extra of a problem from the nook. A robust save denied Emerson Palmieri within the 77th minute, however Alisson was crushed moments later by one other header from Antonio.

DF Andy Robertson, 7 — The left-back’s objective got here on the excellent time to get Liverpool again within the recreation, and he regarded assured from that time when working down the flank and linking with Díaz.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 5 — Made an intervention after Alisson failed to say a cross, after which he did not maintain near Antonio who headed in from Bowen’s header. Not his regular dominant self.

DF Jarell Quansah, 5 — A poor move gave away the ball that led to West Ham’s objective from the nook, and he then did not mark Antonio from Bowen’s cross for the equaliser.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 — Tried to get Liverpool into the precise areas when seeking to unlock forwards from his inverted place, nearly getting an help within the second half when producing an intricate incisive lengthy move to Alexis Mac Allister.

MF Wataru Endō, 6 — Recovered possession nicely in some counter-attack conditions and was on the ball so much for Klopp’s facet, rapidly shifting it to the extra superior midfielders.

MF Ryan Gravenberch, 5 — Gave the ball away greater than he would have appreciated on the day, although he did attempt to play progressively as a lot as potential.

play

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FW Luis Díaz, 7 — Made a brilliant begin when seeking to isolate defenders, and he was unfortunate to hit the publish. Labored arduous to get one other two possibilities within the second half however was denied by the goalkeeper.

FW Cody Gakpo, 7 — The Netherlands worldwide was capable of maintain the ball up in superior areas to assist deliver others into play, and it was his effort at objective that went in after taking a number of deflections to place Liverpool 2-1 forward.

FW Harvey Elliott, 6 — Careless in possession at first however started to take extra care as the sport went on. May have completed higher together with his probability within the first half that went into the facet netting. Hit the highest of the woodwork after the break.

Substitutes

Joe Gomez (Alexander-Arnold, 79′) N/R — On for Alexander-Arnold, who remains to be getting again to full health. Stretched the play down the precise when he may. An essential sort out stopped a growing assault within the 94th minute.

Darwin Núñez (Endō, 79′) N/R — Made a optimistic run for Mohamed Salah, who failed to choose him out throughout a break. Took up positions contained in the field to supply an possibility for crosses.

Mohamed Salah (Díaz, 79′) N/R — Got here on after a heated change with Klopp. Virtually acquired an help minutes later however noticed his cross cleared by Vladimír Coufal. A promising break got here to nothing when his move was means behind Núñez.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Quansah, 90+1′) N/R — There wasn’t sufficient time for the Hungary worldwide to make an impression on the sport. His move to Mac Allister was too highly effective within the ninety fifth minute and led to a West Ham counter-attack.