Hendrick: ‘Clean sheet a bonus, we could have scored 10 against West Ham’ | OneFootball

Liverpool Crush West Ham in Commanding Premier League Victory

Liverpool’s 5-0 thrashing of West Ham in the Premier League was a masterclass in domination, as dissected in the Post-Match RAW podcast by Trev Downey, Dave Hendrick, and Jim Boardman from Anfield Index. This resounding victory showcased Liverpool’s firepower, tactical depth, and the undeniable impact of their new manager, Arne Slot. Here’s how the podcast broke down this stellar performance.

Ruthless Performance at the London Stadium

Jim Boardman aptly captured Liverpool’s dominance: “We absolutely crushed them. Mo Salah alone could have had six goals.” The Reds were clinical and relentless, scoring five while keeping a clean sheet. Dave Hendrick highlighted, “The clean sheet’s a lovely bonus, especially since we’ve conceded silly goals recently.”

West Ham struggled defensively, with Hendrick pointing out, “They’ve conceded 72 goals in this calendar year alone. For a defensively-minded team, that’s unforgivable.” Liverpool’s attack exploited every weakness, with Trev Downey noting, “It felt inevitable once we got the breakthrough; we had gears to go up and were constantly looking to open them up.”

The Arne Slot Revolution

The influence of Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, was a recurring theme. Downey remarked, “It’s incredible how Slot has stepped in after Klopp and maintained, even enhanced, the team’s identity.” The hosts agreed that Slot has brought a blend of calmness and tactical acumen, with Jim Boardman observing, “He’s refined what Klopp did right, adding solidity and game sense.”

Slot’s substitutions also garnered praise. Hendrick stated, “Such was our dominance that Slot could tactically sub players early to keep them fresh for the next game. That’s a luxury we haven’t always had.”

Photo: IMAGO

Key Performers Shine Bright

Liverpool’s attacking depth was on full display. Jim Boardman pointed out, “Jota is well-worthy of being one of the front three, while Salah’s form makes him undroppable.” Even players like Andy Robertson, often scrutinised this season, received credit. “Robertson looked more like the player we expect, learning his limitations and playing to his strengths,” said Boardman.

Midfield contributions were equally impressive. Alexis Mac Allister shone, with Hendrick stating, “Mac Allister getting on the scoresheet from set-pieces is great to see.” This depth and versatility allow Liverpool to maintain high standards across all competitions.

West Ham’s Struggles Continue

The podcast didn’t hold back in criticising West Ham. Hendrick lamented their structural issues, saying, “They’re so easy to play through. Even their best players looked disinterested.” With a defensive record as poor as theirs, Downey quipped, “Their best player today was their goalkeeper, and that’s saying something.”

The podcast also touched on broader issues at West Ham, from boardroom instability to tactical shortcomings under their current manager. Hendrick summed it up: “There’s no excuse for a team with their squad to perform like this.”

Looking Ahead in the Premier League

Liverpool’s victory solidifies their position as one of the Premier League’s most formidable sides this season. With Slot at the helm, their ability to adapt and dominate augurs well for the challenges ahead. As Hendrick remarked, “We’re playing with purpose and always looking for the next opportunity.”

For West Ham, the defeat raises questions about their direction. As Downey aptly put it, “It feels like it’s slipping away from them.” Whether they can regroup remains uncertain, but for Liverpool, the sky is the limit.