Liverpool 4-1 West Ham United: 5 Talking Points

#4 West Ham’s ageing defence is a big worry

Zabaleta takes a throw in

James Collins – 34, Pablo Zabaleta – 33, Patrice Evra – 36; a backline that old can hardly compete with a front three of Mane, Firmino and Salah. While there will be games where the experience of the defenders will come into play, West Ham know that they’ll struggle towards the end of games as their defence simply doesn’t have the legs.

In the modern day game, the role of wingbacks has become ever so important not only at the back but also while attacking. West Ham have managed just 35 goals so far this season, and need more creativity. If their fullbacks are this old, they can’t be expected to make those lung-bursting runs to create something.

Andy Robertson showed yesterday the threat a good fullback can provide. Right now, West Ham’s fullbacks are more of a liability.