The manner in which the Reds have declined this season, after a dominant 2024/25 campaign, remains a big puzzle, and their current form has already sparked demands for Arne Slot's replacement.

Both teams desperate for points

Nuno Espirito Santo took charge of the Hammers amid turmoil following the Graham Potter period, and although there have been a few promising displays from his squad, they must improve significantly to avoid a relegation fight for the rest of the 2025/26 season.

Three games unbeaten, including a respectable draw at Bournemouth – despite losing a two-goal advantage at the Vitality Stadium – was a positive sign for the home side, just as Liverpool’s failure to secure back-to-back wins was for them.

The Reds' previous Premier League fixture ended in a 3-0 defeat to a Nottingham Forest team that had only avoided the bottom spot due to Wolves' dreadful season so far.

However, recent head-to-head results favored the visitors, who remained unbeaten in their last seven top-flight matches against the Hammers.

West Ham had not beaten Liverpool in the league since November 2021, scoring only five goals while conceding 16 in that period.

No start for Salah

West Ham’s two home wins and four defeats matched exactly Liverpool’s away record, with Slot’s side last losing on the road on September 14 againstBurnley.

In a notable surprise, Mo Salah did not start for the first time under Arne Slot, and for the first time since April 2024, also away versus West Ham, ending the Egyptian star’s streak of 53 consecutive league starts.

Although the first shot on target only came in the 21st minute from Alexander Isak, both teams had shown encouraging intent with four shots either blocked or off target before then.

Liverpool held 82% possession midway through the first half, with Ryan Gravenberch especially active. He completed all 16 of his passes and won the most duels (four) in the match as the visitors dominated midfield.

Mavropanos stands firm for the Hammers

Though West Ham had little attacking threat, they remained defensively committed, with Konstantinos Mavropanos winning three of four tackles and making five clearances.

Other defenders also contributed well defensively, and El Hadji Malick Diouf can be pleased with his team-high three interceptions.

That resilience was necessary after halftime, given Liverpool had lost only one of their last 20 Premier League matches level at the break (W13 D6) – although that defeat was to Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest side in September 2024 (0-1).

A concern for Nuno was his team’s continued inability to score in the first half. In nine of their 13 league games this season under him and Potter, they failed to score in the opening 45 minutes, the worst record in the English top tier.

Gakpo and Isak link up

Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak began to show their attacking threat, combining for Isak to score his first goal for the club, his sixth in six games against West Ham.

Despite West Ham’s efforts, including 18 crosses into Liverpool’s box, they failed to hit the target.

Jarrod Bowen led the attack effectively as usual, with his three shots only one less than the rest of the team combined.

He could do nothing to prevent Lucas Paqueta from being absurdly sent off late in the game, receiving two yellow cards within a minute, both for dissent, which is unacceptable for a team chasing the result.

Van Dijk dominant, Wirtz improving

With Liverpool controlling possession and Virgil van Dijk solid at the back with a 92.5% pass accuracy, it was only a matter of time before the visitors secured victory.

The only surprise was that it took until the 92nd minute for Gakpo to score the second goal. His fourth league goal of the season made him Liverpool’s top scorer.

It was a well-deserved reward for the Dutchman, who had seven touches inside the Hammers’ box—more than double any teammate—and attempted 11 one-on-one duels, the joint highest in the match alongside Alexis Mac Allister.

Florian Wirtz, who like Isak had faced criticism for his performances this season, can be proud of his showing in East London.

His 93.3% pass completion was the best among Liverpool starters; only Isak had more than his single shot on target.

With just four possession losses, he outperformed all other Liverpool outfield players and appeared more confident on the ball than he has in a long time, which is promising.

For Nuno and his Hammers squad, it’s back to the drawing board before their trip to Old Trafford to face a resurgent Man Utd.

Catch up on West Ham vs Liverpool here.