'Will be fearful' - National media makes scary Federico Chiesa point after Liverpool punish West Ham
In their second consecutive Carabao Cup encounter, Liverpool decisively defeated West Ham United 5-1 at Anfield, a commanding performance that secured their place in the fourth round of the tournament. Liverpool's strong showing was marked by Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota, who each scored two goals, along with Mohamed Salah's contribution. This victory highlights the team's continued success under new manager Arne Slot, who has led Liverpool to five wins in six games, contrasting sharply with West Ham's struggles under their new manager, Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham, on the other hand, has experienced a tough start to life under Lopetegui, managing just one win since his arrival. The game at Anfield served as a stark reminder of their current challenges, particularly following their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea the previous weekend. Fans had already expressed their dissatisfaction by booing the team off the pitch after that loss, and this latest heavy defeat only compounded the pressure on the West Ham boss.
Despite an early advantage gained through Jarell Quansah's own goal, West Ham struggled to maintain control as the game progressed. Liverpool responded quickly, with Diogo Jota scoring twice to put them ahead. Salah then extended their lead, capitalizing on West Ham's disorganization. The game took a significant turn when West Ham's Edson Alvarez received a second yellow card, leading to his dismissal in the 75th minute. His exit came just after Salah's goal had made it 3-1, leaving West Ham with 10 men for the remainder of the match. Liverpool took full advantage of this, and Cody Gakpo's two stoppage-time goals added to West Ham's misery, sealing the victory for Slot's side.
The national media had plenty to say about Liverpool's dominant performance. Kathryn Batte of the Daily Mail pointed out how this match highlighted the contrasting fortunes of Slot and Lopetegui. Slot's Liverpool looked confident and dominant, while West Ham's fragile defense and inability to recover after Alvarez's red card underscored their early struggles under Lopetegui. Batte described how West Ham's spirited start quickly unraveled after Alvarez's dismissal, allowing Liverpool to "smell blood" and finish the match with a flourish.
Rich Jolly from The Independent focused on Diogo Jota's performance, recalling how former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had once described Jota as the best finisher at Anfield. Under Slot, Jota has now been installed as the first-choice No. 9, a role he did not always play under Klopp. Jolly highlighted how Slot's decision to trust Jota in this key role was vindicated by his two goals, which helped Liverpool achieve the biggest win of Slot's short tenure so far.
This result not only represented a personal triumph for Slot but also intensified the pressure on Lopetegui, who has struggled to get West Ham firing since taking over. The game offered a stark contrast between two teams at very different stages in their development under new management. For Slot, it was a night to remember as he guided Liverpool to a resounding victory that showcased their attacking prowess and depth of talent. Meanwhile, for Lopetegui, it was a night to forget, as West Ham's defensive frailties and indiscipline cost them dearly.
Slot’s tactical approach has already begun to take shape at Liverpool, with his side displaying the kind of attacking football that has long been a hallmark of the club. The performance against West Ham suggested that Slot is building a team capable of both dominating opponents and responding well to adversity, as shown by their ability to come back from an early setback. The inclusion of players like Jota, Gakpo, and Salah in key roles speaks to the strength in depth that Liverpool possesses, allowing Slot to rotate his squad effectively while maintaining high performance levels.
As for West Ham, Lopetegui’s tenure has gotten off to a shaky start, and this latest defeat will only serve to increase scrutiny of his tactics and decision-making. Alvarez’s red card was a turning point in the match, and Lopetegui will need to address the team’s discipline and defensive organization if they are to turn their season around. The early promise shown in some of their performances has been overshadowed by lapses in concentration and poor game management, issues that Lopetegui must resolve quickly if he is to win over the fans and secure his position as manager.
Overall, the media's take on the match reflected the sense that Liverpool are on the rise under Slot, while West Ham are in danger of slipping into a deeper crisis under Lopetegui. Liverpool’s comprehensive win not only boosted their chances in the Carabao Cup but also sent a message to the rest of the league that they are a force to be reckoned with under their new manager. As Slot continues to put his stamp on the team, Liverpool fans will be optimistic about what the future holds. On the other hand, Lopetegui faces an uphill battle to turn West Ham's fortunes around and restore confidence among the players and supporters.
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