West Ham 3 Liverpool 1:WEST HAM'S season has its timely injection of momentum. They have hoisted themselves from the foot of the table and amid the clutter of clubs on 28 points either side of the cut-off, but the psychological ramifications of this victory will propel them with heart into a daunting run-in.
Liverpool had arrived here a side revived and upwardly mobile – that sense of optimism has been transferred to this pocket of east London.
It was an eye-catching win, and a fine response to Wolves’ success against Blackpool the previous day. Those at this club who needed a reminder that Avram Grant’s squad have the quality to survive should be slightly more reassured today. Among them will be the co-chairman David Gold, absent here after being hospitalised with cholangitis and septicaemia.
“He’s such a positive and nice guy,” said Grant. “I know that he saw the game and I’ve a feeling that he will have liked it.”
Scott Parker had required painkilling injections and intensive treatment to feature after slipping during the squad’s training session on Saturday afternoon and injuring a shoulder.
“It was a bad, bad injury,” said Grant. “He couldn’t walk or move his arms, and we were sure he wouldn’t be able to play. Even three hours before kick-off we thought there was no chance. I’d prepared to be without him. But he’s a special guy, an old-fashioned player who always gives 100 per cent. He gave everything again.”
Parker had arguably been carrying this team this season so a shoulder injury was perhaps inevitable. He described this as the team’s “best performance of the season” and was at his inspirational best throughout, scoring a stunning opening goal after combining with Lars Jacobsen and then Thomas Hitzlsperger before curling a finish beyond Pepe Reina from the edge of the area.
Liverpool’s players were flatfooted and helpless, bypassed by the slick exchange cutting through them. Yet Parker’s drive was not alone in smoothing this victory.
Already it feels as if January’s wheeling and dealing, together with Hitzlsperger’s return to fitness, have given the club an edge over the likes of Wigan and West Bromwich at the foot. Even without Robbie Keane, who should return to action in a fortnight after a calf complaint, and Victor Obinna (foot), they look a side with enough firepower to thrive.
Frederic Piquionne operated in a wider role but still might have scored twice. Carlton Cole sprung from the bench to score in stoppage time, and Demba Ba swelled his Premier League goal tally to three in two starts.
Liverpool may still have been readjusting to a back four with Martin Kelly hamstrung when the Senegalese converted Gary O’Neil’s centre, but the striker from Hoffenheim already appears to be an inspired purchase.
The return of Matthew Upson after achilles trouble offered a fillip of sorts at the other end though West Ham’s defensive frailty leaves them vulnerable.
Liverpool may have endured a return to their shoddy form prior to Kenny Dalglish’s second coming, with their passing slack throughout the first half, but they rallied for a 15-minute period near the end and during which the home side creaked alarmingly. Rob Green did well to deny Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard, but he was helpless when Jacobsen’s indecision allowed Suarez to square for Glen Johnson to score against his first club.
Cole’s goal on the break, with Martin Skrtel outmuscled and the shot fizzing beyond Reina at the near post, subsequently put the visitors’ performance in true context.
Danny Wilson was an uncertain centre-half and a nervy left-back following the switch, while the loss of Raul Meireles early in the second half blunted their threat.
After eight unbeaten matches, this was an 11th league defeat of the season – the same number as the bottom club Wigan – and a reality check to douse the talk of Champions League qualification.
“The players would admit, and be honest, that they probably got what they deserved today,” said Dalglish.
“Nothing.”
Guardian Service
