West Ham 2-2 Liverpool: Player ratings as resilient Hammers extinguish Klopp’s title hopes | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Premier League title chase suffered a major blow as they were held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham United at London Stadium today.

The Reds went into the game looking to bounce back from the Merseyside derby loss to Everton in midweek, but they crumbled again with the pressure on them.

They started brightly, dominating possession and creating chances, but their profligacy in front of goal continued to hunt them.

Luis Diaz struck the post – the 23rd time the Reds have hit the woodwork this league season, more than any other side in the top flight.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott stung Alphonse Areola’s palms as Liverpool had a lion’s share of possession.

However, West Ham focused on winning the first and second balls, which proved to be Liverpool’s Achilles heel against Everton.

Jarrod Bowen rose well and headed in a well-worked short corner from Mohammed Kudus to give West Ham the lead before the break.

Liverpool came out for the second half looking to turn around a 1-0 deficit for the 17th time this season.

Ryan Gravenberch came close to equalising but blasted over from just outside the box.

Liverpool then pulled themselves back into the game as Andy Robertson’s tame shot proved too much for Areola.

They kept coming forward and Gravenberch stormed into the West Ham box but couldn’t turn in Cody Gakpo’s inverted cross.

Liverpool took the lead after 65 minutes as Gakpo’s shot ricocheted off multiple West Ham players before hitting the back of the net.

Diaz had two great chances to put the game to bed but couldn’t beat Areola as Liverpool tried to see the game out.

West Ham refused to surrender. Michail Antonio brought the game level, turning in a gorgeous cross from Bowen as the Hammers grabbed a point.

Harvey Elliott rattled the bar again in the dying minutes after a super counter-attack led by substitute Mohamed Salah, but it was not to be for Liverpool.

This draw effectively ends Liverpool’s title hopes. While they showed resilience in their comeback, missed opportunities and defensive lapses proved costly.

Player Ratings

Alisson Becker (7/10) – Made a decent sprawling save against Bowen and another stinging one from Lucas Paqueta. He looked back to his best after recent struggles.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10) – The England international was a constant threat down the right side, constantly teasing West Ham’s defence with crosses and shots.

Jarell Quansah (5/10) – The young defender looked unsure of himself and struggled in several moments. His captain was always in his ears, trying to get him tuned in.

Virgil Van Dijk (7.5/10) – The Dutchman put in a typically sturdy performance against Antonio, commanding his defensive line with assuredness.

Andy Robertson (7.5/10) – He constantly bombed down the left flank, looking to shoot or cross, and it paid massive dividends as he bagged Liverpool’s equaliser.

Wataru Endo (6/10) – An improved display after a dreadful midweek performance, snapping away at heels and winning the ball in midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister (6/10) – The World Cup-winning midfielder kept things ticking in midfield, although he will rue not converting a chance to blow the Hammers out.

Ryan Gravenberch (7/10) – Gravenberch was bright and bubbly in midfield. He popped up in dangerous areas to give Liverpool a helping hand in attack.

Luis Diaz (8/10) – Diaz was the brightest Liverpool player on the day. He made life hell for Vladimir Coufal but was inexplicably substituted when they went searching for the winner.

Cody Gakpo (7/10) – The Dutchman made the best of his start against the Hammers and gave Liverpool the lead before Antonio wiped it off.

Harvey Elliott (8/10) – Elliott was also excellent for Liverpool and came agonisingly close to giving his team all three points with a late strike that struck the bar.

Substitutes

Mohamed Salah (7/10)

Dominik Szoboszlai (5/10)

Darwin Nunez (4/10)

Joe Gomez (6/10)