Arne Slot Liverpool tweak works wonders as Julen Lopetegui rages in West Ham loss

Two goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah’s late strike were enough for Liverpool to get past West Ham in an entertaining Carabao Cup tie at Anfield. Four minutes after half time, the striker latched onto a through ball from Curtis Jones and slotted home for a goal that proved decisive.

In a tie where both sides made wholesale changes, it was the Hammers who led just after the 20-minute mark when a goalmouth scramble saw the ball diverted into his own net by Jarell Quansah. But the lead was short-lived as Jota headed in from close range after Federico Chiesa mis-hit his volleyed shot.

Salah then made the game safe 17 minutes from time, firing high into the net, before Cody Gakpo fired home twice late on. The away side, who had Edson Alvarez sent off, were left angered by the officiating though with manager Julen Lopetegui seen sarcastically applauding the referee.

Express Sport rounds up all the talking points from Anfield….

Slot’s switch sparks Jota into life

When Diogo Jota was withdrawn after 58 minutes, it would have been for no other reason other than he’ll be starting Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Wolves on Saturday. Having been deployed by Slot in an unfamiliar No.10 role, he made the decision an inspired one with his match defining brace.

On Sky commentary, Jamie Carragher was lavish in his praise, saying: “He’s one of best we’ve seen in a Liverpool shirt I really believe that. His finishing is up there with the best.”

Jota’s fitness problems undoubtedly contributed to his side’s title challenge being derailed last season. If he can avoid lengthly lay-offs for the 2024/25 campaign, Slot’s subtle switch of position could see the Portuguese star play a pivotal role in another one this time around.

Lopetegui left longing for VAR

The absence of VAR for tonight’s cup clash made for refreshing viewing. Any hesitation after Danny Ings had a goal ruled out for West Ham in the first half was immediately banished by the linesman’s flag being raised – and the lack of delays improved the flow of contest.

Not that Julen Lopetegu thought so. He instinctively called for VAR after Ings was scuppered, although replays showed the decision to be correct. Meanwhile, there appeared to be an offside in the build-up to Liverpool’s equaliser. The Spaniard was raging again after the interval when his side were denied a penalty for a possible handball and fair to say, he would rather have endured some delays.

Red mist descends on Alvarez

It wasn’t just the West Ham manager who let frustration get the better of him. Edson Alvarez was already on a yellow card when he needlessly chopped down Salah shortly after his side had conceded a third.

In the context of the game it changed little, but the Mexican will now miss what already looks a pivotal game for his side at Brentford on the weekend. When the dust settles and his anger subsides, Lopetegui will have to address the blow ahead of a game that given his side’s underwhelming league start, he dare not lose.

Defensive duo on dicey grounds

While it proved a good night for the hosts, it wasn’t too positive for two players seemingly struggling to impress Arne Slot. The centre-back pairing of Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah were both handed starts, and neither grasped the opportunity.

Stand-in captain Gomez failed to marshal his defence on a night when in truth, the Reds were lucky just to concede once. Quansah meanwhile, could do little about his moment of misfortune, but the look of despair on his face after the own goal spoke volumes.

Rival fans unite against clubs

If further evidence was needed that fans of all Premier League clubs share common ground right now, tonight provided it. As admission prices continue to rise in England, Liverpool and West Ham supporters joined forced outside the ground before kick off to voice their discontent.

The planned protest was against rising ticket prices and the planned removal of concession tickets at the London Stadium and other grounds. Both red and claret and blue shirts were evident as a host of fans held up a large banner that read # STOP EXPLOITING LOYALTY.

The same slogan was seen being paraded in the away end during the 90 minutes, while in the Kop, ‘NO TO TICKET PRICE INCREASES’ and ‘FSG GR££D’ banners were also apparent. Will it make a difference? That remains to be seen, but amid the unified showing the message was clear.