Liverpool Warned of West Ham ‘Reality Check’ – but Overlooked Anfield Talent Could Hold the Key to Avoiding a Slip-Up
It’s a very common perspective these days. While Nuno Espirito Santo’s team has shown real progress lately, the underlying point remains: overanalyzing a victory against West Ham is essentially a foolish exercise.
Alternatively, Liverpool supporters looking for a positive spin might choose to dwell on the promising start against Nottingham Forest, or even cast their minds back to early November, when Arne Slot briefly appeared to have things under control.
Defeating a side featuring a player seemingly determined to get ejected from the game is hardly a monumental achievement, but it’s a challenge Liverpool have repeatedly failed to overcome this year.
Although The Liverpool manager deserves some praise for making impactful adjustments that led to the victory.
Leaving Mo Salah out of the starting lineup was a wise move, even if it potentially causes future complications, especially after Florian Wirtz delivered a stellar individual display and Alexander Isak offered a minor return on his significant transfer investment.
However, the most significant decision – the one many fans have been longingly requesting throughout the season – was the selection of a natural defender at right back.
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Joe Gomez’s previous Premier League start was nearly a year prior, against West Ham, highlighting the ongoing shifts and transformations that have characterized Liverpool’s difficult period.
The transformation Liverpool’s squad has undergone in under a year is significant, moving from a lineup featuring Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Gomez, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Diaz to a new formation that now showcases Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Isak.
This substantial overhaul, however, means that the team is still in the process of refining its cohesion and resolving several areas that require improvement.
Gomez provides the solidity and reassurance Liverpool will require as they navigate a future potentially less reliant on Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The key concern surrounding the 28-year-old is unfortunately undeniable. If he hadn’t been consistently hampered by injuries throughout his ten years at Anfield, the new manager wouldn’t even have to consider his role.
However, a healthy and consistently available Gomez should now be a fixture in a more consistent and reliable defensive line, as Liverpool continue the process of integrating and maximizing their talented but somewhat unpredictable attacking options.
Regarding his evolving, increasingly supportive role at Liverpool, Gomez explained, “I focus on maintaining a positive atmosphere and influencing my teammates in a helpful manner.
I need to lead by example in training, remain optimistic, and contribute to the overall team spirit and equilibrium.”
Beneath the surface of a consistently admired and respected figure, there’s always been a truly talented footballer who has unfairly spent too much time out of the spotlight.
However, The more Slot develops confidence in Gomez’s abilities and gives him opportunities, the more Liverpool will benefit.
And perhaps even more significantly, Gomez will have a much better opportunity to achieve the somewhat unusual distinction of being among the players with the most Premier League appearances to their name, despite never having scored a goal.
