Joel Matip shines in Liverpool's comeback win against West Ham as Top four race continues

Joel Matip shines in Liverpool's comeback win against West Ham as Top four race continues

David Ben 21:52 - 26.04.2023

Liverpool recorded an impressive comeback win against West Ham in the Premier League.

Liverpool recorded a 2-1 comeback win against West Ham in the Premier League on Wednesday night, April 26, 2023.

Lucas Paquetá sent the fans at London Stadium in jubilation mode after he opened the scoring 12 minutes into the contest in what was a nightmare start for Liverpool.

However, the visitors immediately roared back into the contest as Trent Alexander-Arnold found Cody Gakpo in a pocket of space, and the Dutchman turned home to level matters in the 18th minute.

Lucas Paqueta opened the scoring for West Ham vs Liverpool
Lucas Paqueta opened the scoring for West Ham vs Liverpool

Both sides created chances and Liverpool nearly completed the comeback in the first half as Diogo Jota saw his header sail wide before Antonio’s header from a corner on the other end was agonizingly off target.

Cody Gakpo (L) equalised for Liverpool against West Ham in the first half
Cody Gakpo (L) equalised for Liverpool in the first half

Second Half

The second half kicked off with the same intensity the first 45 minutes offered.

Jarrod Bowen thought he had restored West Ham’s lead after the winger cut inside Van Dijk before firing into the bottom corner.

However, Bowen’s effort was ultimately ruled out for an offside call. 

Liverpool looked dangerous all through creating chances upon chances and the Reds soon got rewarded and completed the comeback after Joël Matip powered his header from Andrew Roberton’s corner past Łukasz Fabiański in the 67th minute for his first goal since September.

Joel Matip headed home the winner for Liverpool against West Ham
Joel Matip headed home the winner for Liverpool against West Ham

West Ham searched for an equaliser and made sure not to go down without a fight but Jurgen Klopp’s men were able to secure a third consecutive win for the first time since November.

The win for Liverpool sees them draw level on points with Tottenham Hotspur ahead of their match against Manchester United. 

While the defeat for David Moyes’s men leaves the Hammers five points above the relegation zone.

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Man of The Match - Joel Matip

West Ham 1-2 Liverpool:  Joel Matip is Pulse Sports Man of The Match
West Ham 1-2 Liverpool: Joel Matip is Pulse Sports Man of The Match
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Liverpool had the Cameroonian defender to thank on the night as the Reds recorded a crucial victory in the Top four race.

Matip was impressive for the Reds after being left out of the side for a lengthy run of games.

Liverpool looked far more stable in defence and the 31-year-old centre back made 3 clearances, 3 interceptions and won 9 out of 11 aerial duels, as well as ultimately scoring the crucial winner to settle the contest at the London Stadium.