Sadio Mane managed to lead Liverpool to a 1-0 win over West Ham United in the English Premier League at Anfield Stadium, Saturday (5/3).
Liverpool, who played Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, played aggressively since the early minutes. However, the Reds are still struggling to get a clean chance until the middle of the match.
West Ham was even able to spread a serious threat in the 22nd minute. Michail Antonio’s splendid individual action from the left side almost resulted in a goal but Alisson Becker could still stop it.
However, Liverpool finally managed to take the lead in the 27th minute thanks to Sadio Mane’s goal. Trent Alexander-Arnold tried to open a shot from outside the penalty box which was actually weak but was able to be grabbed by Mane.
West Ham almost managed to equalize in the 39th minute after Pablo Fornals escaped the offside trap. Fornals then poked the ball that Alisson couldn’t reach.
However, Trent who ran quickly into the penalty box was able to throw the ball that was already in front of the goal. The score 1-0 for Liverpool’s advantage lasted until the break.
In the second half, Liverpool and West Ham attacked each other and presented dangerous opportunities. Unfortunately, none of the goals were created.
Liverpool managed to maintain a 1-0 advantage until the game was over. This result keeps Liverpool in second place and only three points away from leaders Manchester City.
Liverpool currently have 63 points, three behind Manchester City, who have 66 points and have both played 27 games. Manchester City will host Manchester United on Sunday. West Ham remain fifth on 45 points, at least until Sunday, but their challenge in the hunt for the top four is fading.
“I don’t know if we will remember this game as one of the most important because it was the most difficult game from the start,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
“We could have scored more goals and we didn’t, then the game opened up. They had a lot of chances but you can’t win the number of games we’ve won without luck from time to time.
“It’s a special win against a strong team,” Klopp said.
Experienced West Ham coach David Moyes has yet to lead a team to victory at Anfield, and he will be pondering how close his side can come to changing that statistic.
Even before Senegal international Mane sneaked in from behind to find the net for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross, West Ham had already caused problems for Liverpool’s defense with Alisson having to make saves from Tomas Soucek and Antonio.
West Ham responded to their deficit with a long ball forward but Pablo Fornals’ effort to outwit Alisson with a lob was too weak and Trent threw it out.
Early in the second half Lanzini had the better chance when he found a cross in front of goal but his shot went over the bar.
Liverpool also had a number of chances with Mane having two of his efforts blocked and Luis Diaz curling just wide.
