Ekitiké opens peat festival
©IMAGO
Without the ailing Florian Wirtz, Liverpool FC scored important points in the race for a Champions League place. The English champions, who have been inconsistent for a long time this season, prevailed in the Premier League against the struggling West Ham United team 5:2 (3:0).
Former Frankfurt player Hugo Ekitiké (5th minute), Virgil van Dijk (24th), Alexis Mac Allister (43rd) and Cody Gakpo (70th) scored for the hosts at Anfield. West Ham’s Axel Disasi also scored an own goal in the 82nd minute. It was Liverpool’s fourth competitive win in a row.
Liverpool strong in attack, but with defensive weaknesses
In front of their home crowd, the Reds dominated the game from the start and were particularly dangerous from set pieces. After a corner was blocked, Ryan Gravenberch reacted quickly and fed Ekitiké; the 1:0. Virgil van Dijk headed the ball home, also from a corner. The 3-0 thanks to a beautiful volley from Mac Allister shortly before the break seemed to be the preliminary decision.
West Ham didn’t give up and shortened the score to 1:3 shortly after the break through Tomáš Souček (49′). Liverpool looked vulnerable defensively, but the visitors were hardly able to capitalize on that. On the other hand, Gakpo scored to make it 4-1. The brief hope that arose at West Ham after Taty Castellanos’ 2-4 goal (75th) was dashed by Disasi minutes later with his own goal.
Liverpool, fifth in the table, has 48 points, as many as fourth-placed Manchester United, who, however, have played one game less. Third with 51 points is Aston Villa. Lurking behind Liverpool in sixth place with 45 points is Chelsea FC, who will play at leaders Arsenal on Sunday.
Slot doesn’t know how long Wirtz will be out
The German international Wirtz complained of back pain during the warm-up before the game at Nottingham Forest last Sunday and was left out of the squad at short notice. Liverpool coach Arne Slot initially assumed it was nothing serious.
However, on Friday, Slot said he didn’t know how long Wirtz would be out. “That’s obviously disappointing,” commented the coach, “and also something I didn’t expect after last week.”
