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Stuart Kavanagh
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West Ham v Liverpool
HAMMERS CONFIRM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE POTENTIAL WITH HUGE WIN OVER LIVERPOOL
West Ham confirmed that they are, in fact, genuine contenders for the top 4 and more than an outside chance for the Premier League with a 3-2 victory over Liverpool. The victory lifted David Moyes’ side above the Reds and into equal second place with reigning champions Manchester City. It is Dreamland for the Irons as they have continued their incredible form of last season into 21/22 and have been repaid handsomely with a spot amongst the elite in the Premier League title race.
The loss ended Liverpools’ undefeated run at 25. The Reds were chasing down the 26 game undefeated streak of Bob Paisleys 1982 version of the Reds, but ultimately fell short.
Things started well for West Ham when a corner deflected off of Liverpool’s shot-stopper Alisson to give them the lead after just four minutes. West Ham went into their shell after taking the lead, and it was attack versus defense for most of the first half. Liverpool finally got their break when free-kick specialist Trent Alexander Arnold scored a beauty of a goal. He made no mistake from a perfectly positioned free-kick.
After a war of attrition at the beginning of the second half, West Ham broke the Liverpool defensive line with some beautiful passing play on a fast break. Spaniard Pablo Fornals made no mistake firing past Alisson to return the lead to the home side. Liverpool pressed for an equalizer without much joy before Kurt Zouma, who was brilliant in defense, headed home a third and the Olympic Stadium erupted.
It returned to attack versus defense for the last 25 minutes or so. Divock Origi scored a beautiful goal to keep Liverpool in it. Sadio Mane spurned a terrific chance to equalize at the death - but ultimately this was West Ham's day.
David Moyes’ was clearly delighted with his first victory over Liverpool in 11 years. Speaking to the media after the match he had this to say:
“I want us to challenge the teams in the top four, I do not know who they will be but I want us to challenge. Liverpool has been in such good form and were so good today and played great stuff but we have resilience and dig in.”
“It's been hard to beat Liverpool over my career, they've been a very good side, so I was very pleased to get it today. Even when it went to 3-1 it was never comfortable, Liverpool were very good and we had to work hard to keep them out.”
The East Londoners officially announced themselves as genuine contenders for the Champions League places. This was a statement victory and one to savor as they head into the international break with their heads in the clouds.
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