Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Hammers Rapid Start Stuns Reds

After a last-gasp victory over Ludogorets in the Champions League, Liverpool returned to domestic duties with a trip to face West Ham.

Liverpool seemed to have suffered travel sickness in the first few minutes as they fell 2-0 down inside seven minutes with Winston Reid heading in James Tomkins' knock down after only 75 seconds before Diafra Sakho fooled Simon Mignolet with a clever chip in the seventh minute.

The Hammers lead could have increased just five minutes later when Aaron Cresswell forced a strong save from Simon Mignolet from distance but Liverpool bounced back in the 26th minute as Raheem Sterling latched onto a rebound of Mario Balotelli's blocked shot for 2-1.

Enner Valencia could have regained the two goal lead for the hosts with a dangerous free kick which saw Simon Mignolet tip the ball around the post before the Belgian was called into action again by Valencia as he saved strongly after a powerful shot.



Liverpool looked to start the second half well as Borini tested Adrian with a tame shot before Balotelli looked to curl an effort into the top corner but could only find the arms of Adrian who was called on again to save a long range shot from Borini in the 64th minute.

West Ham responded as Diafra Sakho looked to chip Simon Mignolet for a second time but his effort crept over the bar before a strong shot from Mario Balotelli at the other end drew a superb save from Adrian.

Liverpool's hopes of a comeback evaporated in the 88th minute a though pass from former Reds midfielder Stewart Downing found Morgan Amalfitano who fired past a hapless Simon Mignolet from close range to wrap up a 3-1 win.

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