Trent Alexander-Arnold was a clear choice for Man of the Match in Liverpool vs West Ham United. The Scouser was magic.
Liverpool saw off West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday evening, scraping a 1-0 win. And it was as narrow as it sounds – the Reds rode their luck here. The visitors twice got in behind defence and should have scored.
Pablo Fornals had a golden opportunity to level for West Ham in the first half but his chip over Alisson was cleared from the line. Trent Alexander-Arnold was the one who got back for Liverpool with what proved to be a game-saving intervention.
That was the star moment for Alexander-Arnold in what was a clear Man of the Match display. But there was so much more to it.
Trent Alexander-Arnold brilliant for Liverpool vs West Ham
Liverpool largely struggled to break West Ham down here but one man managed it. Alexander-Arnold got the assist for the Reds, firing the ball across the box for Sadio Mané to put away.
That was one of five chances created by Alexander-Arnold – unsurprisingly, a match-high. In fact, no one else in the match managed more than three (Andy Robertson).
Those five key passes came from 72 completed by the right-back, the second-most of anyone, in a game that saw Alexander-Arnold heavily involved at both ends. The 23-year-old’s 128 touches were far and away the most as Liverpool constantly looked for him.
His goalline clearance wasn’t all he did in defence, either. Alexander-Arnold completed two interceptions – half of Liverpool’s entire total.
Really, you can’t ask for more from Alexander-Arnold. He was Liverpool’s saviour at the back and their decisive piece going forward. A wonderful display from someone who is, quite clearly now, the best in the world in his position.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
