Liverpool put on a dazzling display as they secured a spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a resounding 5-1 victory over West Ham United on Wednesday night. The match saw a standout performance from Cody Gakpo, who shone brightly throughout the game.
The action kicked off with an own goal from Jarell Quansah, who unfortunately redirected Wataru Endo’s clearance into the net. However, Liverpool quickly bounced back with Diogo Jota’s close-range header, leveling the score. Jota continued his stellar performance by scoring his second goal of the evening shortly after the restart, giving Liverpool the lead with a well-taken finish.
The Reds further solidified their dominance when Mohamed Salah, coming off the bench, sealed the result with a goal after Lukasz Fabianski initially denied Alexis Mac Allister. Cody Gakpo then took the spotlight, scoring twice late in the game to secure Liverpool’s passage into the next round.
Manager Slot fielded a strong lineup, featuring the likes of Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Jota, alongside full debutant Federico Chiesa. Chiesa, who signed from Juventus in a £12.5m deal last month, made his first start for the team and showed promise on the field.
### Player Ratings
#### Caoimhin Kelleher – 7
Kelleher put in a solid performance, making key saves and showing confidence in his goalkeeping duties. He was instrumental in denying West Ham’s attacks and demonstrated his capabilities as a reliable backup for the team.
#### Conor Bradley – 7
Bradley showcased his defensive skills and attacking prowess throughout the game. Despite West Ham’s goal, he displayed resilience and determination in his play, making him a promising prospect for Liverpool’s future.
#### Jarell Quansah – 6
Quansah remained composed on the ball and showed glimpses of his potential despite the own goal. He recovered well in the second half and handled West Ham’s threats effectively, indicating his ability to adapt and learn from setbacks.
#### Joe Gomez – 7
Gomez had a steady performance in his first significant outing of the season, showcasing his defensive capabilities and composure at the back. His solid display bodes well for his role in the team moving forward.
#### Kostas Tsimikas – 6
Tsimikas posed a threat with his set-pieces and crosses but faced challenges in containing West Ham’s attacks. Despite some defensive lapses, he showed aggression and determination in his play, highlighting his potential impact for Liverpool.
#### Curtis Jones – 7
Jones exhibited his technical skills and creativity on the field, constantly seeking possession and creating opportunities for his teammates. His contribution to the team’s second goal demonstrated his vision and playmaking abilities.
#### Wataru Endo – 5
Endo showed defensive prowess but lacked creativity in his passing, with a notable error leading to West Ham’s goal. Despite the setback, he displayed determination and resilience in his play, showcasing his value in midfield for Liverpool.
#### Federico Chiesa – 6
Chiesa made an impact on his full debut, providing an assist and showing glimpses of his potential with his pace and willingness to contribute to the team. Despite some rustiness, he displayed promise for future performances.
#### Cody Gakpo – 8
Gakpo was a standout performer, continuing his impressive form from previous matches. He troubled the opposition defense and showcased his finishing skills with two late goals, underlining his importance to Liverpool’s attack.
#### Diogo Jota – 8
Jota displayed his goal-scoring prowess with two clinical finishes, proving to be a reliable threat in front of the net. His poacher instincts and composure in front of goal were instrumental in securing the victory for Liverpool.
#### Darwin Nunez – 6
Nunez worked tirelessly throughout the game, contributing defensively and trying to create opportunities in attack. Despite limited chances on goal, he showed determination and willingness to support the team’s efforts.
#### Subs:
– **Mohamed Salah – 8**: Salah made an immediate impact off the bench, showcasing his creativity and goal-scoring abilities. His class and skill were evident in his play, securing a crucial goal for Liverpool.
– **Alexis Mac Allister – 7**: Mac Allister provided quality play and nearly scored a goal with a powerful drive. His contribution in possession was essential for Liverpool’s success.
– **Andy Robertson – 6**: Robertson made a solid contribution in the final minutes of the game, causing problems for the opposition with his crosses.
– **Tyler Morton – 6**: Morton displayed composure and efficiency in midfield during his brief appearance, showcasing his potential for future opportunities with the team.
In conclusion, Liverpool’s impressive performance against West Ham showcased their depth and quality across the squad. The standout displays from players like Gakpo and Jota, coupled with solid contributions from the team as a whole, bode well for their upcoming challenges in the Carabao Cup and beyond.
