Liverpool could not have asked for more against West Ham United after their poor performance against Manchester United last weekend.
The reward for the overwhelming Carabao Cup quarter-final victory is a semi-final against Fulham. But a 5-1 victory for the favorites to secure a first domestic trophy, achievable at Wembley, could be even more transformative. Initially, Liverpool’s mood changed against Arsenal and many key figures appeared. Liverpool needed their biggest game of the season so far before the current Premier League leaders’ next trip. Jurgen Klopp changed his squads but players like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott excelled.
Finally, a striker other than Mohamed Salah scored and Cody Gakpo managed to score as well. West Ham were poor, David Moyes was suffering from injury and illness, but Liverpool were superior in every way. Ahead of Arsenal, Klopp got the answer he needed. Jarell Quanza can do anything. Apart from West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen goal, he never put a foot wrong. What is new about his game is that he has impressed Joel Matip.
Moved confidently into midfield and played a great progressive pass into good space. This is a big deal that Liverpool usually miss out on without Matip. Even Ibrahima Konate put the goal on Salah, although he didn’t suggest it. Cuanza’s split was exceptional and he won 75% of his aerial duels. Liverpool still need a new centre-back in 2024 (and ideally in January), but Kwanzaa should also play a big part. Curtis Jones is back.
He always needs a game or two to come back from injury, but his impact has been very evident. Jones put it all together and not only scored two wonderful goals but also provided stability in the middle and got the best out of Dominik Szoboszlai once again.
The Hungarian wasn’t perfect, but he looked much more comfortable here before scoring that brilliant goal that gave him confidence. It’s no coincidence that Szoboszlai has struggled in Jones’ absence. And now that he’s back, the former RB Leipzig defender has been unlocked.Both players should remain in the squad for Saturday’s game against Arsenal. It will be a big test for Declan Rice and co, but it was a great warm-up to help them regain some steam. With just two, the balance looks completely different.
The Uruguayan’s drought continued as he failed to score and extend his goalless run to 11 games, but the Kop praised his efforts. Nunez walked to the front of the audience and performed his song several times, receiving a standing ovation.Pep Lijnders said in his pre-match press conference that he was working hard off the ball to regain his scoring ability. His desire to perform well at Anfield is clear and although he was unable to beat the goalkeeper, he was much more active here than before. Núñez was great. It was definitely a lot better than against Manchester United, and so were my teammates. But he still missed too often.
Playing on the left (he remained there even when Luis Diaz came on, while the Colombian played in the center) seemed to complicate the situation even more. That might be the best plan for Nunes this weekend and going forward.
