Salah Benched As Liverpool Shift Gears
After three straight defeats with ten goals conceded across all competitions, Slot finally made a bold move. His first major adjustment was benching Salah, who had started all 12 league matches prior. The Egyptian star remained expressionless in his coat and did not play a single minute.
With more possession granted to Wirtz, his influence became obvious even without direct goal contributions. Isaac scored his first league goal and Gakpo added another. West Ham, with a red card and defensive blunders, were generous contributors.
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Tactical Shifts Bring New Midfield Balance
Slot’s adjustments extended beyond Salah. He deployed Gomez at right-back to strengthen defensive attributes. But West Ham targeted Kerkez early, exposing his struggles in Premier League intensity and forcing Konaté to constantly cover.
Liverpool lacked wing penetration, so Wirtz operated deeper as a left midfielder, with Mac Allister shifting centrally and Szoboszlai covering wide. This asymmetrical shape frustrated the hosts.
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Wirtz Sparks Attacks As Reds Grow Into Game
Wirtz created early danger from the left, first delivering a low cross that Isaac narrowly missed, then linking with Gakpo before firing a weak shot. Still, moving away from the heavy contact zones allowed him to thrive with more freedom.
If not for Areola’s excellent saves, Liverpool could have led before the break. Meanwhile, Kellekez was repeatedly targeted and Alisson suffered a painful collision with Gomez — though he continued.
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Breakthrough Arrives Through Wirtz And Gakpo
After an hour of stalemate, Wirtz finally unlocked the defense by feinting a shot and sliding a clever pass to Gakpo. His cut-back reached an unmarked Isaac, who calmly finished.
West Ham’s frustration grew. Majar got a long-overdue yellow, while Paquetá completely lost control — shouting F-words repeatedly at the referee and earning two quick yellows. Even Alisson tried to calm him down.
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Liverpool Stay Cautious With Lead Advantage
Despite the 1-0 lead and numerical superiority, the shaken Slot refused to take risks. He substituted Wirtz early, later removing Isaac and adding Robertson to secure the defense. Salah remained unused throughout.
Nuno’s changes came late and Paquetá’s red card disrupted everything. Mavropanos’ misjudged clearance gifted Isaac another chance, allowing him to record one goal and one assist — the real big winner of the night.
Win Helps Liverpool Rebuild Confidence
Given West Ham’s relegation struggles and Nuno’s poor record vs Liverpool, the victory’s weight shouldn’t be overstated. But on the night, Liverpool created more danger despite not fully controlling tempo. Isaac ended an eight-match goal drought and Wirtz proved his playmaking value.
Still, fans focus on Salah’s future. Last season he started all 38 league matches; the last time he was benched in the Premier League was April 2024 under Klopp.
Slot downplayed the decision, emphasizing squad rotation amid a “four matches in ten days” stretch and highlighting the clean sheet: “Everyone is relieved. We didn’t give them chances. A win and a clean sheet is the first solid step.”
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