David Moyes admits Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new role caused West Ham United ‘problems’ as Liverpool came from behind to claim a 2-1 Premier League win at the London Stadium.
Liverpool have not lost any of their four league games since Alexander-Arnold was shifted into the sort of hybrid full-back/playmaker role popularised by Pep Guardiola.
There has been five assists in that time too; the England international outstanding in a more central role, his remarkable creativity coming to the fore while minimising his well-publicised defensive issues.
And Moyes, after an in-form West Ham threw away a 1-0 lead to lose against the Merseyside giants on Wednesday night, admits that Alexander-Arnold’s ability to find pockets of space and dictate things in the middle caused ‘problems’ for his claret-and-blue charges.
Trent Alexander-Arnold shines as Liverpool beat West Ham United
“It’s difficult because of the way Liverpool play,” Moyes tells the Hammers website. “The position Trent Alexander-Arnold is taking up is causing different problems.
“But, look, the players played very well.
“We scored a very good opening goal. I’m not pleased with the two we conceded because I think both were avoidable. Certainly the corner kick was. The first one we could have closed the shot down better. That was it.”
Lucas Paqueta’s 12th minute stunner was his second in two Premier League games; the ever-improving Brazil international following up his thumping header away at Bournemouth. Cody Gakpo drew Liverpool level mere moments later, before Joel Matip powered in a winner from a second-half set-piece.
Moyes, meanwhile, was left to rue what he felt to be a ‘very strange’ refereeing decision late on; Thiago Alcantara perhaps fortunate not to give away a penalty after handling inside the box.
‘An 8/10 penalty’
“We tried to get the game back. We tried a lot of things and had one or two opportunities to score,” the former Everton boss adds. “Obviously, for the referee not to give a penalty kick, I found very strange.
“I think I do know a wee bit about handball and the player lunges for a tackle. Because of that he has, to go with him arms out.
“I get the bit about trying to break his fall. But this one, he’s lunged in the box and I think it’s definitely hit him in the arm.
“We had a penalty kick given against us for Arsenal against Micky Antonio here, with his arm being out at the side. Not every handball is going to result in the same decision. But tonight is think an 8/10 penalty, and I find it hard that he’s not given it.”
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