Arne Slot’s assault is becoming more competitive for starting positions, but the defence is not as deep as it could be.

Liverpool kicked-off their Carabao Cup defence with an ultimately facile 5-1 victory over 10-man West Ham at Anfield on Wednesday, with Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo both on target twice for Arne Slot’s side.

Jota has not scored a goal since the Reds’ Premier League opening match against Ipswich, therefore he was benched for Saturday’s match against Bournemouth, which featured a magnificent goal from Darwin Nunez. But against the Hammers, the Portuguese began the match right behind the Uruguayan, and Jota soon pulled Liverpool level with a header in Federico Chiesa’s bouncing effort from just inside the box after Jarell Quansah had pushed through his own net.

Just after the break, Jota scored again, this time after Curtis Jones had put him through on goal, and moments later, Mohamed Salah, who had been on the bench, made it 3-1. Then, with Edson Alvarez sent off for receiving a second yellow card, Gakpo scored twice in the last minutes to give his amazing performance the credit it earned.Getty

Goalkeeper & Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10):

Nothing he could do about Quansah’s own goal but made a number of crucial saves thereafter. Liverpool really are lucky to have such a reliable No.2.

Conor Bradley (7/10):

His goal-saving intervention went to waste as Endo’s subsequent clearance ricocheted off Quansah and into the back of the net but, as usual, he was a decent outlet down the right-hand side, as underlined by the part he played in Liverpool’s third goal.

Joe Gomez (6/10):

A rare start in his preferred position of centre-back and given the captain’s armband to boot. He can be proud of his efforts, too. Won plenty of duels, both on the deck and in the air.

Jarell Quansah (5/10):

Can’t really be criticised for the own goal given he was standing just two yards away from Endo at the time and was responsible for several timely clearances – but Quansah was booked for a foul on Antonio, whom the youngster struggled to contain.

Kostas Tsimikas (6/10):

Provided some dangerous deliveries from set-pieces and was always looking to get forward, though Bowen caused him problems in defence.

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Midfield

Wataru Endo (5.5/10):

Liverpool’s duel king retained and recovered possession well but, unfortunately, the Japanese has to carry the can for the Quansah own goal, which has done little to boost his hopes of seeing more game time in the Premier League.

Curtis Jones (7/10):

He had his pocket picked in midfield at one point in the second half but, for the most part, Jones was reliable, industrious and progressive. Indeed, Jota’s second goal was all about the Scouse midfielder’s ability to carry the ball forward and then use it effectively.

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Attack

Federico Chiesa (6.5/10):

His assist was unquestionably an effort on goal, but the Italy winger was lively on his first start for Liverpool, with the highlight of an encouraging of his evening a cheeky nutmeg on Coufal. Taken off after 58 minutes, as he’s still not fully match fit.

Diogo Jota (8/10):

His timely opening goal showcased his bravery and predatory instincts in the area, while his second was all about his customary clinical finishing. Would be a surprise if he doesn’t start up top against Wolves on Saturday, as he remains a far more potent player than Nunez.

Cody Gakpo (8/10):

Another menacing display from the Dutchman, who really is at his best on the left flank. Heavily involved in Jota’s opener and proved a constant threat before getting on the scoresheet with a stunning strike. His second goal was less impressive, but Gakpo won’t care. He’s pushing hard for a starting spot.

Darwin Nunez (6.5/10):

Played his part in the build-up to the equaliser and Gakpo’s first goal – but never came close to scoring himself, thus failing to build on his stunning strike against Bournemouth.

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Subs & Manager

Mohamed Salah (7.5/10):

Came on for Chiesa shortly before the hour mark and didn’t take long to make his presence felt. Reacted quickly to slot home a rebound, while he also drew the foul that resulted in Alvarez being sent off.

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

Part of a double-substitution with Salah and it was his initial effort on goal which led to the latter scoring. Then saw a fine effort tipped onto the post by Fabianski.

Andy Robertson (N/A):

Took over from Tsimikas at left-back in the closing stages.

Tyler Morton (N/A):

Only saw a few minutes at the end but the young midfielder will have enjoyed his first appearance for the club since February 2022.

Arne Slot (7.5/10):

Named an offensive starting line-up and his use of Jota as a second striker paid off spectacularly. The Dutchman will also have been happy with the performances of Gakpo, Chiesa, Jones and Bradley, though Quansah’s struggles will be a concern. Still, all things considered, Slot has some welcome selection headaches, especially in attack.