West Ham vs Liverpool: December 2024 Match Recap and Highlights

In a thrilling encounter at the London Stadium, Liverpool faced off against West Ham United on December 29, 2024, aiming to solidify their position at the top of the Premier League table. With both teams displaying tactical prowess, the match provided several key moments worth highlighting.

Team Lineups

Prior to kickoff, both teams revealed their starting lineups, drawing attention to some key changes. Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, made one change to his team, bringing Luis Diaz into the starting XI as a striker to bolster the attack alongside Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. The formation saw Alisson in goal with a back four comprising Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson.

West Ham, on the other hand, opted for a 5-2-3 formation which featured Lukáš Ščotka Areola in goal and a solid defensive lineup with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Mavropanos, and Emerson. The midfield saw Alvarez and Soler, while attacking threats came from Paqueta, Bowen, and Kudus.

Key Moments in the Match

First Half Highlights

• Early Attempts: Liverpool began brightly, with Salah almost netting a goal within the first ten minutes, as he managed to evade defenders and sent a cross-shot narrowly wide of the post.
• Paquetá's Miss: West Ham's Paquetá had a golden chance to strike first when he received a perfectly placed low cross from Bowen, but he slipped at the crucial moment, booting the ball wide.
• Areola's Heroics: As the match progressed, Liverpool's pressure increased. A well-crafted play from Gakpo found Salah six yards from goal, but Areola made an incredible save, pushing the ball out of play and preserving West Ham’s clean sheet.

Second Half Actions

The second half saw Liverpool intensifying their attack with crisp passing and high pressing. West Ham struggled to maintain possession and was forced to defend resolutely against waves of Liverpool attacks.

• Possession Stats: By the end of the match, Liverpool dominated possession with 59.6% compared to West Ham's 40.4%.
• Substitutions: Liverpool utilized their bench effectively, bringing on fresh legs like Elliott and Jota to exploit tired West Ham defenders as the match drew towards a close.

Match Stats

Final Score: Liverpool 2 - 0 West Ham United

• Goals Scored: 1. Salah (18'), 2. Gakpo (67')
• Total Shots: Liverpool 15, West Ham 8
• Corners: Liverpool 5, West Ham 2
• Fouls: Liverpool 12, West Ham 10

Tactical Analysis

Liverpool's performance demonstrated an effective combination of aggressive presses and tactical flexibility. The choice to field Luis Diaz as an attacking focal point provided an additional dynamic, as he consistently sought to exploit spaces left by West Ham's defenders.

Meanwhile, West Ham's defensive setup, though initially well-organized, faced challenges in the second half, indicating a need for better ball distribution and transition strategies.

Conclusion

This victory not only showcased Liverpool's dominance but also underscored the significant gap in quality between the two teams on the day. The Reds are well-positioned in the Premier League standings, extending their lead and closing out 2024 on a high note. For fans, this match was a testament to their relentless pursuit of the title.

Related Keywords

• West Ham vs Liverpool
• Liverpool vs West Ham