KLOPP’S GIFT
Salah 19, Mane 45+2, 53, Sturridge 88 ALISSON
Nothing to do, though fans cheered catch like it was a worldie ALEXANDER-ARNOLD Booked Took time to get his range, but when he did, as excellent as ever GOMEZ
Strong performance, signs he could emerge for England
VAN DIJK
Calm as ever, dealt with West Ham’s sporadic set-piece threat ROBERTSON
Fine cross for second goal, usual aggression and energy
MILNER
Brilliant performance from veteran, so much energy WIJNALDUM
Another who shone, and showed fine passing range in holding role KEITA
Great feet around opposition box, a weapon against tight defences MANE
Two goals and so much latent threat, carried on as he left off FIRMINO
Linked things up with intelligence, though not quite at top
SALAH
Those hoping he’s a one season wonder set to be disappointed SUBS:
HENDERSON (Firmino 67) SHAQIRI (Mane 82)
STURRIDGE (Salah 87) MOTM
6
On a hiding to nothing with switched-off defence FREDERICKS
Looked ill at ease against Mane, did well to not actually get owned BALBUENA Booked
Strong start, but Hammers defending soon became ragged OGBONNA
Switched off too many times, and fatal against side with Reds’ pace MASUAKU
At fault for first two goals, concentration levels not good NOBLE
Worked hard in the middle and some good touches to play out RICE
Couldn’t get into game at all, and no surprise off at half time ANTONIO Booked
Lots of strength, but Hammers did not track full-backs
WILSHERE
Played in role behind forward, but saw so little of ball no influence ANDERSON
Promising start, but faded as his team did. Could be good signing ARNAUTOVIC
Some brilliant touches as usual, but never going to be his game SUBS:
SNODGRASS (Rice 46) HERNANDEZ (Anderson 62) YARMELENKO (Arnautovic 67)
6 6 6
WEST HAM have lost their Prem season opener 12 times, more than any other side.
WEST HAM manager Manuel Pellegrini has lost more Prem games against Liverpool than any other opponent (P7 W2 D0 L5). SADIO MANE is the first Liverpool player to score in three consecutive opening top-flight fixtures since John Barnes between 1989-90 & 199192. THE programme notes of manager and skipper were predictably bullish, unremittingly upbeat.