Liverpool Overcomes West Ham

Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo each scored two goals as Liverpool began their defence of the Carabao Cup by coming from behind to thrash West Ham at Anfield.

The visitors stunned the holders by taking the lead after a corner, with Wataru Endo’s attempted clearance striking team-mate Jarell Quansah and rolling over the line.

West Ham’s lead lasted just four minutes as Federico Chiesa marked his first start for the Reds with an assist. Chiesa’s acrobatic volley into the ground bounced up for Jota to head the equaliser.

Jota scored his second early in the second half with a composed finish after a lovely pass by Curtis Jones. This goal came just moments after West Ham’s penalty appeal was waved away when the ball appeared to strike the arm of Joe Gomez inside the box.

Julen Lopetegui, West Ham’s manager who recently celebrated his appointment, expressed frustration after the match. “I have one little injury in my calf,” he shared, revealing he hurt himself during the game. His team has now lost four of their seven matches under his leadership.

Lopetegui was booked for arguing with officials as decisions went against his side, and Max Kilman missed a golden chance to level the score. Substitute Mohamed Salah made it 3-1 after Lukasz Fabianski kept out Alexis Mac Allister’s attempt.

Edson Alvarez was sent off for a second booking, adding to West Ham’s struggles, and Cody Gakpo sealed the match with two late goals. Unfortunately, West Ham exited the competition at Liverpool’s hands for the second successive season.

Liverpool now looks ahead to a fourth-round tie against Brighton, scheduled for the week beginning 28 October.