LIV 4-0 WHU: 4 Talking Points from Liverpool's win over West Ham United

Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Premier League
Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Premier League

Liverpool kick-started their 2018-19 Premier League campaign with a sensational 4-0 win over London side West Ham United at Anfield.

Liverpool's 'Egyptian King' opened the scoring for the Reds in the 19th minute, tapping in a simple through ball from Andy Robertson from the left flank, and Mane made it 2-0 up for the Merseyside Reds just before half-time.

The second half of the game saw two more goals being added with Firmino sliding in a ball for Mane who quickly turned and took the shot. He was lucky, however, as he was in an offside position - a decision which will pressurize the officials to bring the Video Assistant Referee into the EPL.

The final one for the day was scored by a rejuvenated Daniel Sturridge just 24 seconds after coming onto the field.

Here are 4 talking points from Liverpool's win over the Hammers.


1) The 4-3-3 Formation

Liverpool's Starting Lineup against West Ham United, 12 August 2018
Liverpool's Starting Lineup against West Ham United, 12 August 2018

The 4-3-3 formation is widely used by managers around the world, but a mix of pace and gegenpressing, (a tactic where a team tries to win back the ball immediately after losing it) along with a pivotal false 9 makes Liverpool a deadly opponent for any team in the world in this formation.

Klopp remains very organized with his formations. With Van Dijk's arrival in the winter and Brazilian international Alisson's recent arrival as goalkeeper, Liverpool's backline is developing into a very stable and rock-solid formation.

Firmino's capabilities as a False 9 are unmatched in the world right now; he gives space to the likes of Salah and Mane who are already on a different level. But the most difficult problem this formation faces is playing against bus-parking teams. It'll be very exciting to see how Liverpool take on such teams in the remaining campaign.

2) Naby Keita

Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool - Pre-Season Friendly
Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool - Pre-Season Friendly

One of the two men handed his debut by Jürgen Klopp, Keita looks like a signing of unbelievable promise. Even if he wasn’t at his best level in the game, he surely seems to have "inherited " the Number 8 jersey and has become an instant hit with the fans.

Keita's quick runs, sharp turns and decisive passes were of no surprise to the fans who had expected this from the former RB Leipzig maestro.

The Guinean international added a creative dimension to Liverpool’s midfield that was lacking during the second half of last season ever since Coutinho's departure, and he looked dangerous every time he had the ball.

Keita might be a treat to watch for the rest of the season.

3) Squad Depth

Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Premier League
Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Premier League

Salah's injury and Karius' howlers may be two of the biggest reasons Liverpool finished second best in the Champions League last season. But what dented Liverpool's hopes even before the kickoff whistle at Kiev was the lack of a strong bench.

Liverpool had some serious business done this summer which was appreciated by fans and pundits from across the globe. They can now boast of a reliable and confident bench after acquiring the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and the return of English superstars Sturridge and Lallana.

The game against West Ham saw Sturridge come off the bench and score within 24 seconds from a superb cross from Milner - another underrated and versatile star, and Man Of The Match for the day. He can provide an efficient backup option for Klopp.

Other options include Karius, Matip, Clyne, Moreno, Solanke and an injured Chamberlain who'll be hoping to get back on the field soon.

The current squad depth of Liverpool is very impressive, with each position having at least two players to field. They can definitely go on to challenge for English glory with such players on their side.

4) The Fabulous Three

Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Premier League
Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Premier League

How can this list be complete without mentioning Europe's new attacking sensation - Salah, Mane and Firmino? Fans were sent into a frenzy when the starting lineups were published just a few hours before kickoff, which showed that the Fabulous Three were starting.

The trio started the game on a high note, brimming with confidence and composure. All of the three players were involved directly in the four-goal maul - Salah opening the scoring, Mane netting a brace while Firmino settling for an assist.

The trio are in the form of their lives and are the most vital pieces for Klopp's road to glory with Liverpool.

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