West Ham vs. Liverpool: *Bumper* Post-Match Analysis

Paul Tomkins, Andrew Beasley, Daniel Rhodes and other TTT regulars will give their thoughts on the match for 24 hours after the game, so the article received via email is unlikely to be the final version. There's statistics from the match and videos too.

Post-Match Thoughts

Paul Tomkins

An enjoyably fast game, another win, and the new Liverpool team improving all the time: slick, swift passing, hard harrying and pressing, and the newer and younger players dominating all over the pitch.

For the third goal in a row, Liverpool conceded via a deflection, after Forest's two at Anfield; but as at the weekend, a one-goal win was secured.

And for once, some excellent refereeing. Close-range handballs should not be penalties, especially if someone is falling and it hits their arm which is breaking their fall. Thiago had no idea where the ball was as it bounced onto him.

The laws are clear; the problem is that many refs and VARs don't consistently apply the rules and bow to pressure. This was a ricochet, from a foot away, onto a player's arm who knew nothing about it.

It was interesting to see cuddly old David Moyes go up to the ref on the pitch after the game with a posse of subs, like a Glaswegian firm, and swear heartily at him. It wasn't even heat of the moment, as he'd had a good 5-10 minutes to stew.

The Reds fully deserved their win, secured via a superb Cody Gakpo shot – the man who can score from distance, out of nothing – and a bullet-header from Joël Matip from a corner.

If Declan Rice is worth £100m, then Trent Alexander-Arnold looked three times the 'midfielder' tonight. As Rice chugged about like a decent mid-range Ford, Alexander-Arnold bossed the game like a top-of-the-range Rolls-Royce.

The majority of my analysis and the contributions of the others follow for subscribers only.