Frustration For Klopp As Liverpool Draw At West Ham

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp gestures to fans on the pitch after the English Premier ... [+] League football match between West Ham United and Liverpool at the London Stadium, in London on April 27, 2024. The game ended 2-2.

Liverpool faced West Ham United at the London Stadium in what felt like a subdued Saturday morning fixture to begin with, but the stands soon began to fill and the travelling Reds in particular provided the noise.

On the pitch the visitors started the brighter too. Patient build-up play and strong counter-pressing was the order of the day from Klopps energetic starting XI, or so it seemed for the first while at least.

West Ham’s Brazilian star Lucas Paquetá might have seen red for a nasty tackle on Alexis Mac Allister. A yellow would have been fair, but in the end no card was shown. Bowen had the first effort for West Ham when Harvey Elliot misplaced a square ball, but Allison collected the shot with ease.

Cody Gakpo was tripped up on the edge of the box after 20 minutes and the outcome of the resulting free-kick felt somewhat inevitable, however Trent Alexander-Arnold couldn’t convert like he did at Fulham last weekend. Perhaps this position was, if anything, a little too close to the goal.

Despite a promising start from Liverpool the majority of the first period was pretty uneventful with clear cut opportunities scarce for both teams. Then, just before the break, Jarred Bowen put West Ham ahead with a header from a corner. The set-piece was taken short, relatively quickly, and Liverpool players proceeded to debate amongst each other about who’s fault that was, it was too late and the Reds conceded a killer blow before half-time.

arrod Bowen of West Ham celebrates their first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham ... [+] United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on April 27, 2024 in London, England.

West Ham’s goal just before the whistle was cancelled out as soon as play resumed. Liverpool found the back of the net, the away end erupted, and the Anfield side started peppering the West Ham box in search of a second. The momentum of this game turned in an instant and Liverpool looked alive once more.

Some of Liverpool’s attacking play in the second period was sublime and they got their reward by going 2-1 up after 65 minutes when Cody Gakpo’s close range effort bounced unfortunately off various West Ham players and into the back of the net.

Liverpool kept their foot on the throttle thereafter. West Ham grew weary and the away side began to find the passing lanes with ease. Díaz broke through on goal twice in the second period but couldn’t find a third goal for Liverpool, would they rue these missed opportunities to finish off the Hammers?

Yes is the answer. Out of nowhere Allison became the protagonist of madness in the Liverpool box. A handling error led to a scrappy situation, from which Allison had to provide an incredible save from Emerson. Yet, moments later the keeper was left hapless as Bowen found Antonio and his header put the score level. One glitch led to a goal completely against the run of play, and Liverpool brought on Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nuñez to try and find the lead again.

Harvey Elliot nearly scored a late screamer for the Reds. His effort pinged off the bar before five minutes of stoppage time were awarded, but that would be that. Liverpool would have to settle for a point, when they deserved more. For West Ham it was a great point after a tricky run and the home fans were visibly delighted.

For Liverpool it was the final nail in the coffin as far as the title race was concerned. Of that there is no doubt. However it really is worth noting that Liverpool fans would have snapped your hand off for a comfortable Champions League finish at the start of this campaign. Klopp won it all with this club and will be a legend in the city forever. Arne Slot, the floor is yours.

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp waves to fans on the pitch after the English Premier League ... [+] football match between West Ham United and Liverpool at the London Stadium, in London on April 27, 2024. The game ended 2-2.