West Ham player ratings against Liverpool: Hero Lanzini helps Hammers make history at Anfield

Here’s how the players rated for West Ham United after a historic 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League – their first at Anfield in 52 years.

Goals from man of the match Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Diafra Sakho sealed an unforgettable first win at Anfield since 1963.

It has taken 43 attempts to rewrite the history books, Lanzini’s goal after just over two minutes was the east London club’s first in Liverpool since Bobby Zamora scored there in 2006.

But it was the little Argentine, who was making his first Premier League start since a summer loan move from the footballing backwater that is the UAE league, who stole the show.

He scored one, set up a second and thwarted Liverpool attacks time and time again before they could build any momentum, robbing the likes of Roberto Firmino and Phillippe Coutinho of the ball in dangerous areas.

Here’s how West Ham’s players fared at Anfield.

Randolph – 8

When West Ham’s number one Adrian was sent off against Leicester City and banned for three games, Hammers fans feared the worst of having the relatively untried Randolph in goal. He may have conceded four last week against Bournemouth but he could not be blamed for any of the goals. At Anfield, literally apart from one or two shots from distance which he dealt with comfortably, and one which struck a post, he had very little to do. His distribution, however, was first class and built the foundation for the historic win.

Tomkins – 9

A near faultless performance again from Tomkins who felt hard done by to lose his place after starring out of position at right-back in West Ham’s opening-day win at Arsenal. On loan Carl Jenkinson was awful last week against Bournemouth and got sent off, paving the way for Tomkins to take his place. And, after an imperious display, he will surely keep his place for the next game?

Reid – 9

Absolutely superb in the heart of the Hammers rearguard alongside Angelo Ogbonna. Reid is vital to Bilic’s side and everything about his performance showed why. Christian Benteke hardly got a kick.

Ogbonna – 9

Hauled off after 35 minutes of the Hammers’ 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth despite having been one of their better players on the day, Ogbonna was near perfect against Liverpool. He was on point throughout and like Reid he dealt with the threat of Benteke and co so impressively. The way West Ham set up away from home really suits the two centre-backs.

Cresswell – 9

Any West Ham fans that were concerned by Aaron Cresswell’s haphazard performance against Bournemouth need not have worried. Last season’s Hammer of the Year was back to his very best at his boyhood club, storming up and down the left attacking and defending in equal measure.

Lanzini – 10 STAR MAN

Premier League debuts don’t get much better than this. A constant thorn in Liverpool’s side both offensively and defensively, Lanzini scored one, made one and broke up numerous attacks to launch pacy counter attacks which proved vital to this famous win.

Mark Noble – 9

This is the Mark Noble West Ham fans know and love. His form has been somewhat indifferent for the last six months but he was back to his best here. His sending off was a nonsense and will undoubtedly be appealed and rescinded. Scored a composed second for Bilic’s side to put them in the driving seat before half-time and led with passion as captain.

Payet – 9

The Frenchman has had West Ham fans excited to go to games again and this is why. Every touch is sublime and when he has the ball you always feel something will happen. His ball in put the wheels in motion for the first goal while his audacious skill saw Coutinho sent off.

Kouyate – 10

Unlucky to lose out to Lanzini for man of the match. A real fan favourite, he was absolutely everywhere. In the first half he had a very specific job to sit in front of Benteke and cancel out the ball to his head which could have caused the Hammers trouble. Kouyate was running up and down from box to box as hard and fast in the 97th minute as he was in the first. Heroic performance and just as crucial to the win as Lanzini.

Sakho – 9

Sakho was a big doubt for the game due to injury and his recent off-field problems would have been weighing on his mind too. But given the fact West Ham have no other senior strikers fit, it was vital they got the Senegal star patched up and on the pitch at Anfield. And what an important role he played, leading from the front, chasing, harrying and providing a target and outlet to build West Ham’s counterattacks. He was rewarded when he got the goal he deserved in the 93rd minute as he slotted home just inside the box.

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Oxford – 8

The youngest player in West Ham’s history has sat out the last match and a half after being at fault for two goals against Leicester City. But he showed he is no flash in the pan following his stunning display in the opening-day victory at the Emirates when he came on for hero Lanzini. Bilic trusted the youngster to come in for the last 15 minutes when Noble was dismissed and he helped shore things up and see out the win.

Jarvis – 7

The out-of-favour winger came on as a very late sub for Payet and did a job, offering fresh legs and helping relieve some late pressure from the home side.

Cullen – 7

Only played four minutes as a time-wasting substitute. But it was a nice touch from Bilic as the game was wrapped up and Cullen is a homegrown player rated highly by the club – so it was ideal for him to make his Premier League debut in such a historic victory. Had some neat touches.

SUBS NOT USED: Spiegel, Lee, Samuelsen, Knoyle.

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