West Ham United Stun Liverpool: In-Depth Tactical Review of a 3-2 Victory
West Ham United continued their impressive Premier League run by defeating Liverpool 3-2 in a remarkable encounter. After exceeding expectations in the previous season, David Moyes’ side has managed to maintain their momentum, now finding themselves third in the table after this crucial win. Let’s break down the tactical structures, key moments, and strategies that shaped this memorable match.
West Ham’s Tactical Setup: Defensive Solidity and Lethal Transitions
David Moyes deployed his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pablo Fornals operating centrally and Saïd Benrahma attacking from the left. Defensive adjustments were required early on after Angelo Ogbonna’s injury, leading to Craig Dawson stepping in at centre-back. Youngster Ben Johnson continued at right-back, filling in for the sidelined Vladimir Coufal.
While in possession, West Ham maintained their characteristic structure, but the real tactical mastery came when defending. Without the ball, the Hammers often transitioned into a compact 4-4-2, with Fornals joining Michail Antonio in pressing Liverpool’s backline. At times, this shape morphed into a 4-4-1-1, with Fornals providing defensive cover but staying close enough to Antonio to exploit counter-attacks.
Despite controlling just 31% of the ball, West Ham executed a disciplined shifting and sliding defensive block, making it difficult for Liverpool to penetrate central areas. Declan Rice was pivotal, providing both ball shielding in front of the defense and doubling up alongside Aaron Cresswell to contain Mohamed Salah. Rice’s only misstep resulted in a Liverpool free-kick, from which Trent Alexander-Arnold scored.
When West Ham regained possession, they capitalized immediately. Their swift, direct transitions either utilized the dribbling prowess of players like Jarrod Bowen and Fornals to drive forward, or launched balls into the channels for Antonio to chase. This counter-attacking threat was evident in their second goal, which came within seconds of winning the ball.
West Ham’s Set-Piece Mastery
Set-pieces played a decisive role in West Ham’s victory. Their organization and aerial power on corner kicks created significant problems for Liverpool. Both Dawson and Kurt Zouma consistently found space in the box thanks to expertly delivered corners. West Ham scored twice from these scenarios, demonstrating not just physical presence but strategic intent—targeting the areas where Liverpool were most vulnerable.
Outside set-pieces, West Ham still generated quality opportunities. Cresswell’s surges down the left required direct defensive attention from Salah, reducing Liverpool’s attacking options on transitions. Antonio’s relentless pressing and movement stretched Liverpool’s backline, yielding space for midfielders like Fornals to dictate play and pose a threat from deeper areas.
Liverpool’s Approach: Structured Possession, Missed Opportunities
Liverpool lined up in their customary 4-3-3, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain selected in midfield due to injuries elsewhere, and Diogo Jota starting up front. Their system remained fluid, frequently shifting between a 2-1-4-3 and 3-1-6 the closer they got to West Ham’s goal.
Fabinho anchored the midfield, providing a crucial link in and out of possession, while Andy Robertson pushed high on the left flank. At times, Trent Alexander-Arnold dropped deep or moved inside to facilitate buildup play, prompting Jordan Henderson to occupy wider spaces.
West Ham’s defensive discipline forced Liverpool to rely on frequent crosses rather than their typical intricate play through the middle. Henderson’s deliveries from the right provided chances, particularly for Jota, who excelled at finding space but was unable to convert the opportunities that arose. A tactical decision to delay the introduction of a more traditional striker, such as Divock Origi, arguably limited Liverpool’s ability to capitalize on their wide play and crossing.
Crucial Moments Defensively and Offensively
Though Liverpool were dangerous on set-pieces—Alexander-Arnold’s curling free-kick exemplified this—they found it challenging to break through a determined West Ham backline during open play. Virgil van Dijk was instrumental at the back, frequently covering for advancing full-backs and winning aerial duels to stifle West Ham’s counter-attacks. However, a rare lapse in defensive communication between Joel Matip and van Dijk allowed Fornals to latch onto a through ball and score, punishing Liverpool for a momentary loss of shape.
For all their dominance in possession, Liverpool’s inability to break West Ham’s lines meant they could not wrest control away from the hosts. A late chance fell to Sadio Mane, who narrowly missed the target, encapsulating Liverpool’s frustrating afternoon.
Key Takeaways: Why West Ham Triumphed
– West Ham’s compact defensive block effectively neutralized Liverpool’s attacking strengths, particularly through the middle.
– Lethal counter-attacks and quick transitions exposed spaces left by Liverpool’s advancing full-backs.
– Set-piece execution and physicality in the box handed West Ham a crucial advantage, leading directly to two goals.
– Strategic substitutions and injury cover (notably Dawson for Ogbonna) maintained stability and focus throughout.
West Ham’s win was more than just a lesson in defending deep and scoring from corners—it was a showcase of tactical intelligence, resilience, and maximizing every opportunity against top-tier opposition.
Conclusion
West Ham United’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool stands as a testament to their tactical discipline, resilience, and capacity to capitalize on key moments. Moyes’ side continue to defy expectations with their blend of strategic organization and attacking intent. With the Hammers climbing to third in the Premier League table, this match could prove to be a pivotal point in their season, signaling West Ham’s status as genuine contenders for European places.
