Analysis: Slot's selection reaps rewards

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot answered the growing questions about the disappointing form of Mohamed Salah by dropping the Egyptian and re-shaping his attacking options.

Alexander Isak started as striker ahead of Hugo Ekitike, while Dominik Szoboszlai played on the right with Gakpo on the left,

It allowed German playmaker Florian Wirtz to have one of his best games for Liverpool since his summer arrival, linking play with intelligence between attack and midfield as Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister provided a solid base.

Slot also stiffened his defence by playing Joe Gomez at right-back for his first league start in 11 months, allowing Szoboszlai to use his influence further forward.

Swedish frontman Isak - whose only other Liverpool goal this term came in the Carabao Cup game against Southampton in September - had opportunities before his instinctive finish, having a close-ranged hooked finish saved well by Alphonse Areola.

But the relief was evident as he netted his sixth goal in seven league appearances against the Hammers.

Wirtz was also denied his first goal since his £116m move from Bayer Leverkusen with a weak low finish saved by Areola after being teed up by Gakpo.

Liverpool looked more organised and composed in this shape, with more threat further forward, and this is the sort of performance and result that will do wonders for confidence, particularly that of Isak and Wirtz after their previous below-par displays.