Liverpool

Liverpool player ratings vs West Ham: Cody Gakpo's impressive Roberto Firmino impersonation leads Reds to comeback win

Neil Jones
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Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2022-23
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The Dutch striker netted a long-range equaliser before Joel Matip headed the winner to seal a 2-1 victory at the London Stadium

Liverpool’s top-four dreams are still alive after they came from behind to beat West Ham 2-1 at the London Stadium on Wednesday.

Lucas Paqueta fired the Hammers into a 12th-minute lead, only for Cody Gakpo to equalise with a superbly-struck 25-yarder soon after.

Diogo Jota missed a pair of good chances and Jarrod Bowen had a goal ruled out for a tight offside, before Joel Matip, back in the side due to Ibrahima Konate’s injury, bulleted home a header midway through the second half to put the Reds in front.

And they were able to hold onto their lead, surviving a late penalty shout against substitute Thiago Alcantara which left Hammers boss David Moyes fuming at the final whistle.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from the London Stadium...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Alisson Becker (6/10):

    Has to do better with the opener, which seemed to wrong-foot him. Did fine thereafter, including a superb interception to deny Ings.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):

    A joy to watch in possession, but the risks of his new role were also highlighted as West Ham got plenty of joy down Liverpool's right flank. Played in a little more orthodox fashion after the break.

    Joel Matip (8/10):

    Back in the side in style! Bullet header to give his side the lead. Played well generally after a nervy start.

    Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

    Huge touch to deny Antonio and some big headers won in his own box. Got away with some lax stuff for Bowen's disallowed goal.

    Andy Robertson (7/10):

    Good battle with Bowen, and delivered the corner from which Matip made it 2-1.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Fabinho (7/10):

    Much improved in terms of his reading of the game and recoveries in midfield. One of his best performances of the season.

    Jordan Henderson (6/10):

    Some good work out wide in the first half, but without the ball he looked leggy.

    Curtis Jones (8/10):

    Excellent off the ball and used it really well too, taking responsibility and showing composure throughout. Quietly having a pretty good run of form.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Mohamed Salah (6/10):

    A threat without being at his polished best.

    Cody Gakpo (8/10):

    Superb strike to level the game. His Roberto Firmino impression looks like it's going to be a good one. Classy on the ball and links the play really well.

    Diogo Jota (5/10):

    Missed two great chances in the first half and was scruffy with his final ball.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Luis Diaz (7/10):

    Got plenty of the ball and looked hungry and lively.

    Thiago Alcantara (7/10):

    Helped Liverpool regain control of the game with his poise and passing.

    Darwin Nunez (5/10):

    Came on and wasted a good counter-attacking chance. Has to tidy his game up, though his work-rate is unquestionable.

    James Milner (N/A):

    On late and immediately rattled someone.

    Jurgen Klopp (7/10):

    The intensity looks to be back in his team's play. Made the right subs at the right time.