Liverpool defeated West Ham United 3-1 at home on Sunday to maintain their perfect start.
Mohamed Salah scored a penalty in the 16th minute, but Jarrod Bowen headed in the equalizer three minutes before halftime after some sloppy defense.
Liverpool’s advantage was restored by Darwin Núñez’s beautiful volley on the hour mark, and Diogo Jota’s close-range strike secured the victory with five minutes left.
Here are our player ratings.
ALISSON: 6
Amazing save in the fifth minute to save Tomas Soucek’s header into the bottom corner. Had no chance to stop Jarrod Bowen’s goal off the post. Had nothing else to do.
JOE GOMEZ: 7
He looked better in hybrid midfield and was more confident in possession than before.
JOËL MATIP: 8
Strong against Michail Antonio, who hardly played and was substituted with 20 minutes left. Most confident performance in years.
Van Dijk: 4
Robertson’s corner left him unmarked on the outside of the six-yard box in the 19th minute, which may have extended Liverpool’s advantage.
He was pulled out of position in the buildup to the West Ham goal and couldn’t get back goalside to affect Bowen’s header. Ten minutes into the second half, Bowen lost Van Dijk again but headered at Alisson.
He compensated for these mistakes by setting up Diogo Jota for the third goal.
Andy Robertson: 7.
His increased high-and-wide frequency is encouraging. Good job stopping Bowen’s goal attempt.
Alexis MacAllister: 7
Lucky not to hand away a penalty after a violent challenge on Jarrod Bowen before halftime. Better with the ball than without it, although sometimes bullied by James Ward-Prowse and Edson Álvarez in early exchanges.
An wonderful chip over the top to assist the second goal of the game capped a much-improved effort.
D. Szoboszlai: 7
Most reliable Liverpool player right now. Unfortunately, two free-kicks hit the wall (the following one will go in). Beautiful back-post pass for Curtis Jones’ disallowed goal. Excellent energy and recovery.
Curtis Jones: 7
Disappointed to have his score disallowed for offside. Lively on the ball, tough for West Ham to track. He led press constantly and impressively.
M. Salah: 7
Cute provoked Nayef Aguerd’s foul for the penalty, which he scored emphatically. Close control was good, but his last pass was off today.
DARWIN NÚÑEZ: 8
Fortunately, a great give-and-go and bursting run set up Salah’s foul and penalty. Lost a fantastic opportunity 10 minutes into the first half, slamming his turn wide. In the 59th minute, the Uruguayan restored the Reds’ advantage with a beautiful volley.
Klopp was pleased with his performance, frequently tracking back to assist defend.
Luis DíAZ: 8
Was involved in every good offensive play in the first half and nearly scored a low attempt at the near post at the start of the second 45. Always intense and hardworking.
SUBSTITUTES:
Ryan Gravenberch (76]: 7
Did crucial defense as West Ham tried to tie it.
DIOGO JOTA (DARWIN, 79]: 8
He always gets into such spots, right? Minutes after going on, he scored a close-range tap-in to win. His shot was stopped in stoppage time, denying him a second.
CODY GAKPO (DÍAZ, 79′): 6
The Dutchman hardly played throughout his 15-minute cameo, save for one box explosion.
WATARU ENDO (86’MAC ALLISTER): N/A