Liverpool booked a spot in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable 5-1 win over West Ham United on Wednesday night, and this is what was spotted.
Liverpool dominated the first half, and really should have gone in at the break with more than just a 1-0 lead. Harvey Elliott threatened on a couple of occasions with efforts from distance before Szoboszlai powered the Reds in front.
The Hungarian didn’t need a second invitation as he blasted the ball across goal and just in at the far post, creating a sense of relief after a disappointing display against Manchester United just a few days earlier.
Liverpool continued to control proceedings, with West Ham barely laying a glove on the hosts. Gakpo should have doubled the Reds’ lead just before half-time, but directed his header agonizingly wide from Elliott’s cross. The onslaught didn’t slow down after the break, with Darwin Núñez and Jones both going close before the latter got his reward.
Latching on to a superb ball from Núñez, Jones somehow managed to squeeze the ball between the legs of Areola from the tightest of angles to all but confirm Liverpool’s place in the last-four. Cody Gakpo made sure of the victory when he struck with around 20 minutes remaining, with Jarrod Bowen striking a consolation for the Hammers.
There was still time for Mohamed Salah to get in on the act, with Jones grabbing his second late on to round off the scoring. Here are the four things Liverpool.com spotted as the game unfolded.
Elliott gets everywhere
Harvey Elliott was clear before last week’s Europa League defeat to Union SG that he didn’t want to become just a ‘super sub’ at Liverpool. He certainly did everything he could against West Ham to show Jürgen Klopp he is deserving of a place in his starting line-up.
The former Fulham man was absolutely everywhere during the opening stages of the game. Expected to play on the right of the front three as a like-for-like replacement for Mohamed Salah, there weren’t many positions Elliott didn’t take up.
It was an almost Philippe Coutinho-esque performance as he proved to be the creative conduit in the side, and provided all the attacking intent early on. When you’re vying for a place in the starting line-up, it’s certainly not a bad idea to show you can play just about anywhere.
Szoboszlai at it again
Dominik Szoboszlai has enjoyed himself in the Carabao Cup this season. Having thundered an absolute pearler in against Leicester earlier in the competition, he was up to his old tricks again here.
Liverpool’s propensity for shooting from distance might have left a few fans a little frustrated, given how that ploy worked out against Manchester United. Szoboszlai though found the sweet spot though when he arrowed the ball beyond the reach of Alphonse Areola to give the Reds the lead midway through the first half.
The goal drew comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo from Jamie Carragher on the UK commentary. It should certainly serve as a major confidence boost after what was a disappointing showing at the weekend.
Time for a selfie
With your team 1-0 down at half-time and not showing anything to suggest they might find a way back into the game, you might have expected the West Ham coaching staff to not be in the best of moods. Not Kevin Nolan though.
The former Bolton and Newcastle midfielder, and Liverpool native, stopped as Liverpool fans asked for selfies. We’re not sure which is stranger, Reds supporters asking someone from the opposition for a selfie, or Nolan happily obliging!
The perfect time to score
Liverpool absolutely dominated the opening 50 minutes, but with the score at just 1-0, the job was far from done. Indeed, Jarrod Bowen was still looking a threat on the break, and David Moyes was looking to swing things in his side’s favor as Lucas Paquetá got himself ready.
Before the Brazilian could get on though, Curtis Jones struck to make it 2-0, and given the way the game was going, all but confirm Liverpool’s win. Talk about the perfect time to score.
