ReviewLiverpool 3-1 West Ham: Analysis of rock-solid Matip and praise for Jones and Nunez
Neil Mellor highlighted the performance of Joel Matip as a key factor behind Liverpool’s 3-1 win over West Ham United on Sunday.
During his regular post-match Review Show, which is now available to watch on LFCTV GO, the former Red analysed another impressive display from Jürgen Klopp’s side.
After Mohamed Salah’s penalty was cancelled out by Jarrod Bowen before the break, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota netted to clinch three more points in the Premier League.
“We had one or two scares in the first half but I thought our second-half performance was key to getting the win,” said Mellor.
“We got our first goal from the penalty spot and, this is unbelievable, but the last time Mohamed Salah won a penalty was 83 games ago!
“Liverpool won more than 70 per cent of their aerial duels and Matip was key to that. He won that battle with [Michail] Antonio all day long.
“He was nice and aggressive but fair and it was so good to see how he won that battle. A top performance from Matip.”
Mellor also praised Nunez and Curtis Jones for the work they put in for the team throughout the contest at Anfield.
“Nunez deserved his goal. It was an unbelievable pass from Alexis Mac Allister and what a finish it was from Nunez,” he added.
“He deserved his goal, he was a constant threat and it was a proper centre-forward display. He’s gaining an understanding what the manager wants from him in that role.
“Curtis was superb, winning the ball back and pressing and not giving West Ham any time to play.
“Curtis does that pressing really well for the team and it’s a big part of the identity of this team.”
