Frank Lampard BLASTS West Ham: They were awful, passive and scared against Liverpool

WEST HAM produced an “awful” and “passive” display against Liverpool in the first half of their 4-1 Premier League defeat tonight.

West Ham vs LiverpoolREUTERS

Frank Lampard was not impressed by West Ham's first-half performance

That is according to Frank Lampard, who ripped into the Hammers players for their performance in the opening 45 minutes.

Liverpool went into the break 2-0 up at the London Stadium thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Joel Matip.

Manuel Lanzini struck back for the hosts but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and another Salah goal secured Liverpool all three points.

The Reds looked most dangerous on the break but were also rarely troubled by their hosts in east London.

And former Chelsea and England great Lampard has blamed West Ham’s lack of teamwork for their lacklustre first half.

Asked for his thoughts on Slaven Bilic’s side in the first half, Lampard said on BT Sport: “Awful. There’s only one word to sum it up.

West Ham vs LiverpoolREUTERS

Liverpool dominated the first half

“They’ve been passive and stood off Liverpool. There’s no heart, there’s no desire, there’s no passion. They playing as individuals.

“There’s no team, no communication, no responsibility out there. It’s been easy for Liverpool.

“For 45 minuets there’s only one team who has wanted to win this football match.”

West Ham have not come back from behind at London Stadium all season, while Liverpool are seeking a third win on the bounce.

Lampard added: “You can call it fear, because they’re scared of Liverpool. The problem is the gap in class between the two teams.

“They’re scared now, scared of the crowd. This is a test of character for West Ham more than anything from the individuals.

“The gap in class is a major thing and the biggest problem for West Ham.”

Bilic responded to the first-half performance by bringing on Andy Carroll for the second 45 minutes.

Manuel Lanzini got the Hammers back into the game moments after kick off - but 57 seconds late Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain restored Liverpool’s lead.

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