Liverpool vs. West Ham United: 6 Things We Learned
A strange afternoon at Anfield ended with Liverpool taking their week's tally of home goals to nine as they moved up to second place in the Premier League table with a 4-1 win over West Ham United.
The Reds weren't at their free-flowing best throughout the contest, but whereas that would have previously only brought frustrations, here it brought three points ultimately thanks to their perseverance.
The key goal was undoubtedly the first, as an opening period of stubbornness from the visitors was washed away when Guy Demel could only turn the ball into his own net following Jussi Jaaskelainen's save from Luis Suarez three minutes from half-time.
Mamadou Sakho scuffed a Steven Gerrard free-kick goalward and was ultimately awarded his first strike in English football just after the break. However, just when the Reds threatened to run away with the contest they gifted a limited West Ham a goal, as the unfortunate Martin Skrtel turned into his own net for the second time in three games.
Typically, though, it was left to Suarez to allay any fears for his side.
Firstly, the forward headed home a superb Glen Johnson cross to make it 3-1, and then after Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan was sent off for a high challenge on Jordan Henderson, Suarez saw his shot bounce in off Joey O'Brien to complete the day's scoring.
Here are six lessons learned from another impressive Liverpool result:
Reds Learn That Patience Is a Virtue
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In the four home games they'd played prior to this one, Liverpool led 3-0 at half-time in three of them and 2-0 in the other.
Sam Allardyce and West Ham were determined to not let that happen here, and after Simon Mignolet made a fine save to deny a Modibo Maiga header, the Hammers sat in and looked to frustrate the hosts.
They were succeeding, too, with lock picking attempts from the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Steven Gerrard ending in repeated failure the longer the first half went on.
Liverpool were admirably patient, though, and got their just reward, albeit a little fortunately, when Guy Demel turned into his own net three minutes before the break.
The fact that they were able to keep cool heads in such a situation would undoubtedly have pleased Brendan Rodgers.
The Value of Sterling Remains High
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Raheem Sterling is still very raw, clearly, but you won't be able to find many 18-year-old footballers who aren't.
Once again the youngster demonstrated his importance to his team in the continued absence of the injured Daniel Sturridge with a performance that was full of running and a willingness to get on the ball.
He should certainly have scored his second goal in a week given the passable opportunities that he fired off target, but he was an outlet on an afternoon when Liverpool were in dire need of width.
How long this current run in the team will last for remains to be seen, but it is a heartening one.
West Ham Limited
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Forward problems have dogged West Ham all season, but it was the act of getting the ball forward which was the problem here.
Allardyce's side were extremely limited in attacking areas, with Stewart Downing anonymous before being replaced at half-time by Joe Cole, another sight for home supporters' sore eyes.
Maiga looked spirited enough and forced Mignolet into a fine save in the first half, but there was little else for the Hammers to shout about going forward until Skrtel gifted them a goal and a way back into the match.
All eyes then turned to the bench in the expectation that Allardyce would bring on Carlton Cole, but the Hammers boss wavered and dithered over the decision, finally appearing to have made his mind up only to see Liverpool immediately make it 3-1 through Suarez.
Fortune favours the brave, after all.
Sakho Could Leave Agger Feeling Sick
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Whoever gave Daniel Agger the illness that forced him to miss this game could end up being on the receiving end of some harsh words from the Dane.
In his absence, Mamadou Sakho made his first Reds appearance since the loss at Arsenal at the beginning of November, but the difference between that game and this one could hardly have been more marked.
The Frenchman was required to use his head on several occasions as the Hammers launched an aerial assault, but he remained solid and impressed many watching.
His goal, like a few others here, won't win many awards, but it came at a crucial time just after the break, and might just boost the confidence of a player who looks to have all the tools to succeed in England.
Even on His off Days, Suarez Can Still Shine
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A scuffed shot when clean through and a wild effort wide of goal pretty much summed up Luis Suarez's first half, but he still forced the Reds' opener and then killed off West Ham in the final 10 minutes.
Even on days when not much goes his way the Uruguayan is a compelling watch, and with both James Collins and James Tomkins desperate to stop him here, his efforts to get the better of them bordered on the obsessive.
Playing in such a strong Reds team has seemingly made Suarez as happy as he's ever been at the club, and if these are his quieter performances, then they'll only whet the appetite for the next time he's really on his game.
The Reds go to Tottenham next Sunday, and Suarez rarely has two "off days" in a row...
Back in the Gunners' Sights
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The same joke was being cracked by Reds supporters streaming out of Anfield after the game. Oussama Assaidi had just made his greatest contribution for the Reds.
The Moroccan, on loan at Stoke from Liverpool, scored the Potters' winner in a 3-2 victory over Chelsea that, along with Manchester City's failure to beat Southampton, sees Liverpool jump up to second place in the table.
With league leaders Arsenal facing a tough game against Everton on Sunday, the Reds might perhaps hope to see both drop points as they seek to remain near the top of the division.
With trips to Tottenham, City and Chelsea looming on the horizon, Liverpool, as they were for much of this game, are in a pretty good position from which to attack.
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