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Five Thoughts from the Hammers 1-1 Draw against Liverpool

By Jeff Catlin

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Michail Antonio of West Ham United holds his back while celebrates with team mates Javier Hernandez and Robert Snodgrass after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on February 04, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Michail Antonio of West Ham United holds his back while celebrates with team mates Javier Hernandez and Robert Snodgrass after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on February 04, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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What a difference a week makes if you are a West Ham United supporter. After an embarrassing FA  Cup Exit, followed by a listless effort vs Wolves, not much was expected in this fixture vs the Premier League leaders Liverpool. But West Ham rose up and earned a well-deserved point in the 1-1 draw at London Stadium.

Here are five initial takeaways from West Ham’s performance:

The Result was on Brand for West Ham United

Nothing is more West Ham than playing up, or down, to the level of their completion. Today was a welcome result and more importantly, better effort all around for the side vs the last two times out.  And it should’ve been. A Monday night home match vs the top of the table Liverpool- what else do they need to raise their effort level?  That makes wins this season over Man U and Arsenal, draws with Chelsea and Liverpool.  You can’t argue with that. It’s the poor results vs clubs below them that are also so very much part of the West Ham Way and brand.

A Total Team Effort from Box to Box

West Ham United was organized and up for it. To a man, everyone contributed to this one with their effort and pace. They ran all over the pitch and at times looked to be the faster side. Great injection of pace into the squad by Ryan Fredericks. Antonio did his thing. Anderson had a different gear with the ball at his feet. Liverpool had to respect the Irons counter attack all night long. One thing for sure about the Hammers under Manuel Pellegrini is that they won’t park the bus and they will always be up for a game vs the big clubs.  Now, there have been some stinkers in there vs other sides, but he doesn’t ever pull a “Big Sam” or 5 at the Back Special by Moyes.

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Ryan Fredericks a Welcome Addition to the Starting XI

Pablo Zabaleta has been very good at right-back this season, but a much-needed jolt of pace and energy was brought to the West Ham side thanks to Ryan Fredericks’ legs. It was a very smart move by the Gaffer to get him on the pitch in this one.  His recovery speed was evident as was his ability to barrel down the flank in partnership with Antonio in front of him. I want to see more of him over the last months of the campaign. In fact, I thought WHU’s fullbacks were better than Liverpool’s throughout the match.

Where would the Hammers be without Lukasz Fabianski?

Week in and week out, whether scoreline is 3-0 Hammers, even at 1-1 or the Hammers are down 3-1, Fabianski makes huge saves at key points in matches. He did that again today time and again to keep it 1-0 and then secure the point for his team when it was 1-1.  The arm looked to be fine, even though it was a worry when he attacked the ball in his box and landed on his body. A major upgrade this season from Adrian and the long-forgotten Joe Hart.

Declan Rice Controlled Midfield

What a player this young man is. The first or second name on the team sheet week in and week out. A great quality that isn’t talked about enough is his ability to raise his level of play to match the size of games. Some athletes tend to wilt under that pressure. Those that don’t are the ones to build around. He was all over the ball and covered miles of ground in midfield. Speaking of which; more times than not when the Hammers have played well, the midfield three has been Rice, Noble, and Snodgrass.