Slot’s Liverpool Dismantled West Ham with Flawless Tactics | OneFootball

Liverpool Dominate West Ham in Premier League Festive Fixture

Liverpool ensured their position at the Premier League summit remained intact with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over West Ham United on a crisp Sunday afternoon. It was Arne Slot’s men delivering the goods in their final game of 2024. While most of us wrestle with the post-Christmas blur, Liverpool seem entirely untroubled by the festive schedule. With Arsenal nine points adrift and Nottingham Forest eight behind despite having played an extra game, this win served as another emphatic statement from the league leaders.

Liverpool are playing football so refined and dominant that it defies fresh description. For a fanbase that has experienced its fair share of lean years since 1990, this season is a gift that should be savoured.

Tactical Brilliance and Fluid Adjustments

Arne Slot’s tactical ingenuity was on full display once again. Known for tailoring his setups to exploit specific opponents, the Dutch manager introduced subtle but effective adjustments to dismantle West Ham.

This time, Alexis Mac Allister anchored the midfield in a deeper role, sitting in front of the defence. Ahead of him, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones pressed higher up the pitch. Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz led the first wave of pressing, while Cody Gakpo joined Gravenberch and Jones in a second pressing line.

Díaz, playing as a central forward, epitomised the “mobile striker” role to perfection. He drifted into the left-hand spaces to create overloads with Gakpo, offering constant passing options and unsettling West Ham’s defensive line. His movement forced defenders into impossible decisions: follow him and leave gaps behind, or stay put and concede space in front.

The opening goal came from precisely this dynamic. It was another example of Slot’s ability to make varying player profiles work seamlessly, whether it’s deploying classic No. 9s like Darwin Núñez or Diogo Jota or the free-roaming Díaz.

Alexander-Arnold’s Passing Masterclass

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance was a headline-grabber, as he once again delivered a passing clinic. Operating in multiple zones—deep on the right, in the half-spaces, and centrally—Alexander-Arnold controlled the game’s tempo with his progressive passing. He completed 14 of 21 progressive pass attempts, frequently linking up with Salah and finding teammates in dangerous areas.

One sequence, which led to a goal, summed up his influence: a precise pass from the right half-space into the final third, followed by his intelligent positioning to finish the move himself. His ability to dictate games in this manner makes Liverpool a near-impossible team to nullify when he’s in form.

Liverpool’s creativity was spread across the team. Four players contributed at least two key passes, with Salah showcasing his dual role as both finisher and creator. Every midfielder and forward, along with Alexander-Arnold, registered at least one key pass, highlighting the collective threat Liverpool posed.

Ruthless in the Danger Zone

Liverpool’s shot selection epitomised their attacking dominance. The Reds managed 13 shots from the danger zone—the high-value area around the penalty spot—against a Premier League opponent, a remarkable feat. Three of these efforts were converted into goals, while others created significant chances.

Salah, as ever, was central to this attacking prowess. The 32-year-old continues to redefine what it means to be a complete forward. In a scatterplot of Premier League forwards this season, Salah’s name stands alone in the top-right corner, combining unmatched shot volume with exceptional shot quality.

Defensive Work-rate and Tactical Coordination

While Liverpool’s attack stole the headlines, their defensive contributions were equally impressive. Alexander-Arnold led the team in defensive workrate metrics, excelling in duels and challenges. Mac Allister also shone in his deeper role, while Andy Robertson’s sharp instincts helped him top the charts for ball recoveries.

Slot’s pressing structure was key to Liverpool’s dominance. Annotated images from the game reveal how Liverpool’s compact, coordinated press suffocated West Ham’s build-up play, forcing errors and creating turnovers in dangerous areas.

Tactical Observations in Key Moments

Liverpool’s tactical adaptability was on full display during several key moments. Annotated images from the game highlight specific positioning and movement patterns that exemplify Slot’s strategic acumen.

The Perfect End to 2024

For Liverpool fans, the festive period often brings as much confusion as joy—was Sunday the 28th or 29th? Does it even matter when the team is playing like this? With no game until after the New Year, it’s time to catch up on the Christmas TV backlog (though, frankly, none of it will rival the drama of Liverpool’s season so far).

As Arne Slot’s side close the year at the Premier League summit, their performances have cemented their place as the best team in England—and perhaps in Europe. With a blend of tactical brilliance, squad depth, and individual excellence, this Liverpool team is one to be cherished.

Credit to Mark Matrai (@MatraiMark on Twitter) and xfb Analytics for the tactical visuals.