West Ham 1 Liverpool 4 analysis: Bell tolls for Slaven Bilic at the lowest point of his tenure

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Jack Rosser @JackRosser_5 November 2017

Liverpool well and truly piled the pressure back on Slaven Bilic as they put four past a lacklustre and uninspiring West Ham at London Stadium.

The Hammers boss had spoken in the build-up to Saturday night’s game of how one result either way could have a dramatic effect on the pressure surrounding his position at the club, but few would have seen this coming.

Having also emphasised the need to be solid against such a potent attacking force, the hosts were far from it has they handed Mohamed Salah and Joel Matip two cheap goals after a bright start, before Joe Hart served a third up to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain seconds after Manuel Lanzini’s goal had sparked some hope.

Salah bagged his second and Liverpool’s fourth having been left unmarked in the box and plunged Bilic to his lowest point during his tenure.

Jack Rosser was at the London Stadium, and here is his analysis of a nightmare night for the Hammers…

Bell tolls for Bilic

The Croatian has never seemed one to walk away from a challenge, and clearly still has the backing of his players. However, the fact he comes across as a nice man and gets along with all his players is far from enough in the Premier League.

Photo: Reuters/Eddie Keogh
REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

While you would not mark Liverpool at home as a definite win when looking at your schedule, the manner in which his West Ham side went about their 4-1 defeat does not bode well for the manager.

Aside from a five minute spell in the second half there was no sign of any determination or spirit from the Croatian’s side. It would be a shame to see him go, but it seems time’s up for Bilic.

Lonely Lanzini

As all appeared to fall apart around him, Manuel Lanzini time and again looked to turn the tide for the Hammers.

The Argentine, dubbed ‘The Jewel’ by River Plate fans during his time there, was the diamond in the rough for Bilic against the Reds.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

The playmaker missed the start of the season through a pre-season injury and had been the main component in a recent change in fortunes, if Bilic is to turn things around in the weeks before Christmas, he will be the man to save the Croatian.

Missed opportunity

West Ham showed just how little self-belief they are running on, while handing Liverpool more than they could have ever wanted.

Klopp’s men were clinical on the night, however, on the ball they were far from miraculous. A little pressure either side of the interval from the hosts and it could have all been so different. The introduction of Andy Carroll had the visiting back four rattled, a side with any confidence would’ve smelt blood.

Not West Ham, though. Having handed them two cheap goals in the first half they once again switched of moments after scoring and were thus consigned to another desperate defeat at the hands of Klopp at London Stadium.

Liverpool turning point

With Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all facing one and other this weekend, Liverpool had a chance to throw their hat back into the ring at the top, and they took it.

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

The win leaves Klopp’s side in sixth, with all five above them still to play this gameweek. While they remain a long way off in terms of the title hunt, nine points to be exact, on a night where they were far from their best Liverpool at least showed a clinical touch to remind their top four rivals they’re still kicking in the league.

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