Mac Allister’s Key Role in Liverpool’s West Ham Triumph | OneFootball

Alexis Mac Allister: The Midfield Maestro Driving Liverpool’s Dominance

Liverpool’s emphatic 5-0 victory over West Ham was not just a statement win but a tactical and statistical masterclass under the guidance of Arne Slot. While Mo Salah once again stole the headlines with his brilliance, Alexis Mac Allister’s role as the midfield engine warrants a deeper dive. In the latest episode of Stat Me Up on Anfield Index, Phil Barter and Dave Davis explored Liverpool’s performance, and Mac Allister’s contributions stood out as crucial to the Reds’ dominance.

Tactical Precision and Dominance

Phil Barter highlighted Liverpool’s complete control over the match, stating, “We spent 65% of our possession in the attacking third, a clear sign of dominance.” The midfield, orchestrated by Mac Allister, was pivotal to this. His ability to maintain possession and dictate play was instrumental in keeping West Ham pinned back, limiting them to just five penalty box touches before Liverpool’s second goal—a stat Barter described as “mind-blowing.”

Liverpool’s field tilt of 65% and an astonishing 3.2 xG (expected goals) compared to West Ham’s 0.4 encapsulated the one-sided nature of the game. Yet, it wasn’t just about the numbers; it was how those numbers came to life through the performance of players like Mac Allister.

Mac Allister’s Impact on Both Ends

Alexis Mac Allister’s ability to influence the game both defensively and offensively was a key talking point. Barter noted, “He created nearly 11% of Liverpool’s total possession and was integral in maintaining control.” From winning duels to recycling possession, Mac Allister ensured Liverpool’s midfield remained a fortress.

“Mac Allister created the most EPV (expected possession value) among midfielders,” said Barter, emphasising his unique role in advancing Liverpool’s attacks. His vision and precision passing were critical in enabling third-man runs, often unnoticed but impactful in destabilising West Ham’s defence.

The Purple Patch Continues

Barter praised Mac Allister’s consistency, noting, “He’s hitting form at the right time, just like he did around this time last season.” This “purple patch” has seen the Argentine deliver some of his best performances in a Liverpool shirt, helping the team navigate a congested schedule with aplomb. Whether it was threading passes into dangerous areas or holding the fort when Liverpool transitioned to counter-attack mode, Mac Allister was omnipresent.

Discussing his defensive contributions, Barter observed, “He won more duels than any other midfielder and had more on-ball time than his counterparts, a testament to his work rate and intelligence.” These qualities have made him indispensable to Slot’s evolving Liverpool system.

Building Momentum for Bigger Battles

As Liverpool prepare for more significant challenges, Mac Allister’s role will only grow in importance. Barter summarised his performance against West Ham aptly: “This is the level you want to see from a player heading into the business end of the season.” With a solid foundation in midfield and a player like Mac Allister in top form, Liverpool are well-equipped to sustain their title challenge.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s demolition of West Ham was a showcase of collective brilliance, but Alexis Mac Allister’s contributions cannot be understated. His blend of defensive diligence and creative flair is a cornerstone of Liverpool’s resurgence under Arne Slot. As Barter aptly concluded, “Mac Allister is not just keeping things ticking over; he’s driving this team forward.” Liverpool fans will hope this form continues as the Reds aim for silverware.