Liverpool produced a stunning comeback to crush West Ham United 5-1 in an electrifying EFL Cup third-round clash at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Despite the final scoreline suggesting a comfortable victory, the match was far more competitive, with West Ham causing plenty of problems for the Reds in the first half.
However, Diogo Jota’s brace, combined with the brilliance of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and late heroics from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, ensured that Liverpool marched into the fourth round.
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West Ham United arrived at Anfield with confidence, refusing to be intimidated by Liverpool’s formidable home record.
The Hammers played without fear, pressing high and seeking an early breakthrough. Their efforts paid off in the 21st minute when Edson Álvarez’s deflected shot caused chaos in the Liverpool penalty area.
Full Time: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham.
Arne Slot wins his first cup game under the lights at Anfield #lfc pic.twitter.com/sxCqMSQcNJ
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) September 25, 2024
The ball ricocheted off Jarell Quansah and found the back of the net, giving West Ham a deserved 1-0 lead.
At this stage, the Hammers appeared poised to cause a major upset, as the reds struggled to find their rhythm. West Ham’s pressing disrupted the Reds’ buildup, and their relentless energy silenced much of the Anfield crowd.
The reds, however, didn’t take long to respond. Just four minutes after conceding, they showed why they remain one of England’s top footballing sides.
Cody Gakpo, operating with precision on the left flank, whipped in a perfectly placed cross, which found Diogo Jota in the box.
5-1 Liverpool.
THE DUTCH CODY GAKPO WITH ANOTHER GOAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE SCORES A BRACE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/tDpVnCT0SB
— Football Report (@FootballReprt) September 25, 2024
The Portuguese forward leapt high and directed a powerful header into the net, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 25th minute.
This swift reply restored Liverpool’s confidence, and they began to take control of possession.
Gakpo’s movement and creativity posed constant threats to the West Ham defense, while Jota’s predatory instincts in the box gave the Reds the cutting edge they needed to push forward.
The second half was a different story, as the Reds turned on the style and asserted their dominance.
Just four minutes after the restart, Curtis Jones found space in midfield and delivered a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Jota.
The in-form forward wasted no time in slotting the ball past West Ham’s goalkeeper, giving Liverpool a 2-1 lead and completing his brace.
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West Ham, who had been so aggressive and dangerous in the first half, struggled to regain the same intensity.
The Reds’ midfield, marshaled by Jones and the industrious Wataru Endo, began to dictate the tempo, leaving the Hammers chasing shadows.
Despite several attempts from the visitors, including efforts from Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, they couldn’t find a way past Kelleher, whose shot-stopping abilities were crucial in preserving Liverpool’s lead.
As the game wore on, the Reds’ superiority became more evident. Mohamed Salah, who had been relatively quiet until this point, reminded everyone of his quality in the 74th minute.
After a fluid passing move, Salah found himself in the right place at the right time to finish off a rebound and make it 3-1 to the home side.
His goal effectively put the game beyond West Ham’s reach, although the Hammers refused to give up without a fight.
In stoppage time, Cody Gakpo took center stage. The Dutch forward, who had been instrumental throughout the match, scored two brilliant goals within a matter of minutes.
His first came in the 91st minute, as he capitalized on a defensive mistake to score with a composed finish.
Just three minutes later, Gakpo added a second with a curling effort from the edge of the box, completing the rout and ensuring a 5-1 victory for Liverpool.
While the Red’s attacking players took the headlines, the contribution of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher should not go unnoticed.
Kelleher made several crucial saves throughout the game, especially when West Ham were pushing for an equalizer in the second half.
His composure and reflexes were vital in maintaining Liverpool’s momentum and preventing the visitors from getting back into the game.
Diogo Jota was undoubtedly the standout performer for Liverpool. His two goals, both scored at critical moments, were essential in turning the tide in Liverpool’s favor.
Jota’s ability to find space and his clinical finishing made him the key figure in this comeback win.
