West Ham United overtook Liverpool to third place in the Premier League with a stunning victory; Alisson (OG), Vernals and Zoma scored for West Ham; Alexander Arnold and Origi played for Liverpool; Liverpool were beaten for the first time since April
West Ham defeated and unexpectedly Liverpool topped third in the Premier League with a 3-2 victory, ending the Reds' 25-game unbeaten record.
It was typical West Ham United performance, excelling on counter-attacks and set-pieces, which was another fantastic season for David Moyes.
West Ham United took the lead in their first attack as Pablo Vernals' corner kick swept past Alisson's glove and into the net (4) and collapsed as his own goal despite var checking for a potential foul. Moments later, Aaron Creswell was lucky not to see red in Jordan Henderson's challenge, also being checked by Var.
After the game, Jurgen Klopp disagreed with both decisions, calling it a "clear foul" against Allison and a "reckless challenge" for Creswell.
However, Liverpool controlled the ball and equalised before halftime as Trent Alexander Arnold sent a stunning free-kick into the top corner from 20 yards (41 yards), the only shot on goal in the first half.
West Ham celebrated their early goals
The game kicked off in the second half with Vernals once again giving West Ham the lead, and after Jarrod Bowen's excellent job allowed him to score (67), Alisson was led by Alisson, although Liverpool's high defence would be asked questions again.
West Ham's strength was too great for Liverpool as they snatched three points from Bowen's corner kick (74) through Kurt Zuma's header and despite substitute Divok Origi completing the tight game with a turn and finish (83), West Ham persevered.
It was their fourth consecutive league win, moving them just three points ahead of Chelsea, while Liverpool were beaten for the first time since early April and the first in the league since March.
How West Ham beat Liverpool with an amazing victory
West Ham took the lead in just four minutes at the London Stadium as Vernals' corner kick appeared to rush straight into Allison's head. On closer inspection, Alisson had actually moved into his own net, the ball skimming over his gloves, and although Var saw angelo Obona's potential push, the goal was a success.
Jurgen Klopp looked unhappy, and his mood didn't improve when Creswell showed a strong interest in Henderson. "Creswell may have a problem," Jamie Carragher said in a common comment, but despite another VAR vetting, West Ham United's defender escaped without even booking.
Liverpool camped in West Ham's defensive zone three for the remainder of the first half, although the hosts had little room to maneuver, cutting Liverpool's chances to half.
However, after Mosalah cleverly won a free-kick from De Klan Rice on the edge of the penalty area, Alexander Arnold made an excellent effort at Lucas Fabianski's side and made it into the top corner. One-on-two with Salah is crucial, which allows Fabianski to take a step in the wrong direction, leaving him to stand still.
There was a clear chance on both sides at the start of the second half, with Hamers substitute Craig Dawson hitting the crossbar from a corner and then Sadio Mane forcing Fabianski to save directly from Andrew Robertson's brilliant first volley. Either side and Liverpool will lead.
With West Ham United attacking, there was a gap in their defenders. Salah volleyed, but felt the game could play in any way towards the final quarter.
When Bowen shrugged off three Liverpool men, West Ham blocked their noses in front and then let Vernals slide through, exposing the visitors' high line. Vernals shot early and crawled into the net under Alisson.
West Ham have so far counter-attacked every minute, and although Liverpool had some final defence as they retreated, the third came from another corner as Zoma crossed Allison at the back and Bowen's pitch was not targeted.
Since Moyes returned to his first game at West Ham United in January 2020, they have scored 32 Premier League goals on set-pieces (excluding pens), five more than any other team.
Just seven minutes after Diogo Jota came on, Origi made a beautiful turn on the edge of the penalty area to cut the score in half and Mane should have equalised in stoppage time with a header deflected off Alexander Arnold's free-kick.
"David Moyes really created something here," Carragher said, and West Ham seemed determined not to let last year's top four challenges become one-off. They proved once again that they are very difficult to beat, playing to their full advantage in a match against one of the best teams in Europe.
West Ham manager David Moyes: "It was a wonderful win against a very good team. We also played on Thursday night and being able to stay energized at the last minute was great for the players.
"Liverpool have done a good job in possession and I think they have improved. We tried to step up a little bit and I didn't like the way we played in the second half, so we made some changes and it worked. We played well in the second half. We scored three goals and maybe more another day.
"Last year we tried to deal with them but they sometimes turned us away so we had to be a little patient.
"I remember when I came, everyone said London Stadium was different. Everyone in football knows that if you can make a team win and try every game, you'll get support for you. Supporters support us today. ”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: "The first goal was a foul on the goalkeeper. The arm was against Alisson's arm, so how could he catch the ball when someone pulled his arm away? It doesn't make sense. This is the typical excuse for var to say it's not clear, but what do you need?