Diogo Jota takes his turn as Liverpool’s lead man in rout of West Ham

The new West Ham coach Julen Lopetegui is enduring the worst honeymoon period since the Bride of Frankenstein. Arne Slot, by contrast, must feel like he is already enjoying marital bliss at Liverpool.
For the stricken visitors this was another Hammer horror, Lopetegui struggling to prove he can advance his club without first suffering heavy wounds. 
For Slot, the security of a squad brimming with talent means he can indulge a fruitful Anfield rotation policy and heap fulsome praise on a different striker following every match.
All the attention was on Mohamed Salah after Old Trafford, Cody Gakpo post-AC Milan, Luis Diaz every weekend this season and Darwin Nunez a few days ago. On this occasion, it was Diogo Jota, whose double gave the holders the platform to safely progress to face Brighton in the fourth round.
Federico Chiesa made his first start, too. Rusty, but showing enough promise to suggest when a yard sharper, full-backs will be fearful. Even half-fit, the Italian claimed an assist.
This is truly a billionaire’s inheritance for Slot, such luxuries guaranteeing wholesale changes do not diminish his firepower. 
Three goals a game is starting to look compulsory, Slot’s side notching at least that total in successive fixtures in the past eight days to send a warning they can attack on all fronts. They could have had more than their five here, Salah and Gakpo inflicting late, brutal punishment.
“I constantly told you guys how many quality players we had and we showed today we have many,” enthused Slot.
“What pleased me most is a lot of new players don’t try to have a good individual performance they try to work hard for the team, there was a lot of desire to keep a clean sheet.”
It must be emphasised the scoreline was tough, embellished by a Gakpo double once West Ham were reduced to 10 men following Edson Alvarez’s second yellow card.
The late defensive capitulation aside, West Ham were much better than the side limping along in the Premier League and for 70 minutes were unfortunate to find Caoimhin Kelleher in the kind of form that makes it strange no clubs made a summer offer that could not be refused for his services.
But Liverpool have the capacity to switch gears and demolish, and there are few more accomplished finishers operating than their Portuguese striker. 
The task for Slot is to achieve what Jurgen Klopp couldn’t and keep him fit. Dig into the reasons why Liverpool could not sustain their title and European challenge at the end of last season, and many will trace the roots to an untimely Jota injury. How can that be avoided?
“Rotation,” smiled Slot, well aware the first few games of his reign were dominated by questions about his minimal changes.
“We are trying to manage his minutes in the best possible way but we also try and prepare him in the week, but sometimes there are small margins and you can be unlucky.”
“This goal is all about Curtis Jones” 😤Diogo Jota puts Liverpool back in front! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/ikXwijEjuA
After cancelling out Jarell Quansah’s own goal in the first half, Jota’s poise came to the fore when he passed Curtis Jones’ weighted ball into the Kop net early in the second.
West Ham threatened a comeback and cursed referee Andy Madley’s refusal to award a couple of penalties as much as Kelleher’s interventions.
No mitigating circumstances can camouflage the shocking results, however.
Great finish from Mo Salah 💫 pic.twitter.com/JMzhtP561h
The West Ham fans were already in a rebellious mood before kick-off, a banner unfurled emphasising their unhappiness at their board’s ticket pricing policies.
Unless their season urgently takes a new direction, their ire at the hierarchy may soon extend to their choice of manager, too.
Brentford vs Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton vs Stoke City 
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
AFC Wimbledon/Newcastle vs Chelsea
Manchester United vs Leicester City
Brighton and Hove Albion vs Liverpool
Preston North End vs Arsenal
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Preston North End vs Arsenal
Brighton and Hove Albion vs Liverpool
Manchester United vs Leicester City
AFC Wimbledon/Newcastle vs Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
Southampton vs Stoke City
Brentford vs Sheffield Wednesday
The League Cup fourth-round draw is about to begin.
We will bring you all the updates as Jamie Redknapp and Kevin Nolan confirm the ties for the next stage of the competition.
Ball 1: Aston Villa
Ball 2: Brentford
Ball 3: Brighton and Hove Albion
Ball 4: Chelsea
Ball 5: Crystal Palace
Ball 6: Leicester City
Ball 7: Manchester City 
Ball 8: Manchester United
Ball 9: Preston North End
Ball 10: Sheffield Wednesday
Ball 11: Southampton
Ball 12: Stoke City
Ball 13: Tottenham Hotspur
Ball 14: Arsenal
Ball 15: Liverpool
Ball 16: AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle
Diogo Jota, reflecting on the match, said: “I think they made it hard for us – they kept the ball, it was a good game in general and we are just happy to get through.” 
When asked about his team’s record in the League Cup, he said: “It’s hard but we want to do it again obviously. We are the reigning champions and we want to progress.”
Liverpool and Arsenal’s victories this evening mean they are both through to the fourth round of the League Cup.
The draw is taking place shortly – stay tuned as we bring you all the latest updates and confirmed ties for the next stage of the competition.
Teams in the draw include Manchester United who beat Barnsley 7-0 last Tuesday, Sheffield Wednesday, and Manchester City.
It’s another difficult night for West Ham. They started strong but became worse and more disjointed as the minutes ticked on. 
Liverpool, the defending League Cup champions, have kicked their campaign off with a resounding victory. They are through to the fourth round of the competition. 
Cody Gakpo finds the gap 🎯 pic.twitter.com/vn6oYWoO6K
Goal for Liverpool!
A second goal for Gakpo in a matter of minutes heaps more misery onto West Ham. 
He thunders a shot in from the edge of the penalty area and his power is too much for Fabianski. 
The scoreline now matches the last League Cup clash between these two teams, when Liverpool beat West Ham in the quarter-finals last season.
Goal for Liverpool!
The hosts have their fourth after a tidy effort from Gakpo, who has been on great form tonight.
He threads the ball through the West Ham defence and slots it into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.
A corner is sent into the West Ham box which is swiftly dealt with by the defence. However, Jones is waiting at the edge of the penalty area and strikes it first time. His effort flies above the goal.
It’s all Liverpool now. 
Jones drives down the pitch and sends a shot in from the right. He just can’t turn it in at the back post, but it feels like another goal might be coming for the hosts very soon.
A big chance for Gakpo as he drives down the left hand side and sends a shot into the box from 20 yards out. 
It is powerful and on target, but Fabianski makes a flying save to deny the hosts a fourth. 
A big miss by Summerville.
Antonio drives down the pitch on the counter. Summerville gets into the box and only has Kelleher to beat but sends a poor finish wide.
That might have changed things.
A double change for Liverpool. Tsimikas and Endo are replaced by Robertson and Morton.
Great finish from Mo Salah 💫 pic.twitter.com/JMzhtP561h
Mac Allister sees his effort from 25 yards hit the post. Gakpo strikes the rebound but it is quickly collected by Fabianski. 
More substitutions for West Ham who are resting their key men now.
Bowen and Soler depart and are replaced by Kudus and Irvine.
This has gone very wrong for West Ham in a matter of minutes, who were looking the stronger side in the build-up to Salah’s goal.
Alvarez is shown a second yellow card after a reckless and unnecessary challenge on Salah, and is sent off.
Goal for Liverpool!
They attack on the counter and it’s a lovely pass from Bradley who crosses the ball into Mac Allister. He goes for goal but his effort is saved by Fabianski. However, Salah quickly gets to the rebound and makes no mistake in sending the ball into the back of the net. Who else?
A huge West Ham penalty appeal after the ball bounces off Tsimikas’s outstretched arm in the penalty area.
The players surround the referee but he dismisses it and West Ham manager Lopetegui and Paqueta are booked for their objections.
A frustrating miss for West Ham.
There’s an initial chance for Soler as he runs down the middle of the pitch and shoots from just outside the penalty area. Kelleher gets a hand to the ball and hits it out for a corner. The ball flies into the box and is crossed in by Antonio.
There’s a scuffle just off the goal line as Kilman tries his best to get a foot to the ball. He shoots but his effort goes just wide. Excruciating for the visitors.
Liverpool are inches away from a third goal.
Mac Allister runs down the pitch and plays in Jones who goes for goal. Fabianski gets his fingertips to it and pushes it away from danger.
West Ham hit on the counter and Antonio is taken down by Quansah, who is shown a yellow card. West Ham have another free kick – Cresswell hits it into the penalty area but it is easy for the Liverpool backline to deal with.
Paqueta is involved in the action straight away. Liverpool keeper Kelleher has to run off his line to stop the Brazil international getting onto a clipped ball over the top.
Substitutions for Liverpool: Jota and Chiesa are replaced by Mac Allister and Salah. No hattrick for Jota tonight, but an impressive showing and brace for the Portugal international.
West Ham also make a double change. It’s not to be for Ings tonight, as he goes off alongside Soucek. They are replaced by Paqueta and Antonio.
West Ham feel aggrieved once again after a challenge from Joe Gomez on Danny Ings in the Liverpool box.
They want a penalty, but their shouts are dismissed by the referee for a second time in quick succession.
“This goal is all about Curtis Jones” 😤Diogo Jota puts Liverpool back in front! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/ikXwijEjuA
Liverpool are looking much more dangerous now.
Great link-up play from Tsimikas and Gakpo down the left-hand side to create another chance for the home side. 
However, there is a foul in the build-up and West Ham win a free kick and quickly send the ball away to safety.
Goal for Liverpool!
It’s a second for Diogo Jota.
Curtis Jones picks the ball up deep in the Liverpool half and drives it down the middle of the pitch. He attacks the West Ham defence and single-handedly sends it through to Jota in the penalty area, who slots it home.
Great play from Jones in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.
West Ham want a penalty after the ball flies into the Liverpool box and hits the arm of Joe Gomez, which is down by his side. 
Their calls are dismissed by the referee.
Liverpool win an early corner – Tsimikas takes it and sends it straight into the box.
The West Ham defence send it out, but Curtis Jones gathers it and shoots from just outside the box. It flies high above the goal.
The second half of this League Cup third round tie is underway at Anfield.
Big improvement from West Ham after their shambolic defending against Chelsea. Chiesa has shown some glimpses of his quality – he was involved in the equaliser – but might not be long before Slot summons the cavalry.
Federico Chiesa has a chance for the hosts just before half time.
He cuts in off the right and goes for goal from 20 yards out but it flies miles above the goal, into the away end.
West Ham’s corner kick flies into the box, but is quickly headed out.
It’s not out of the danger area for Liverpool yet though, as Bowen gets his foot to it just outside the area and sends a good strike into the box. 
Liverpool deal with it once again, but after a sloppy challenge West Ham win a free kick 30 yards out.
Cresswell sends it into the penalty area but it is swiftly dealt with by Liverpool’s Bradley.
A decent chance for the hosts. 
Chiesa runs into the box, nutmegs Coufal, and attempts to cross the ball to Tsimikas. 
However, he can’t quite reach his team mate’s pass and the ball flies across the front of goal and is cleared by the visitors.
West Ham hit on the counter and the ball goes out for a corner in the Liverpool penalty area.
Liverpool are very much in control at the moment, but are still struggling to unleash Chiesa in his first start for the club.
Will they find a break through before half-time?
Liverpool think they should have a penalty after Cody Gakpo goes down, which the referee quickly dismisses. 
It’s a barge from Jarrod Bowen, but just outside the box – the referee makes the right call. 
Brilliant from Diogo Jota and Liverpool to level it 👏 pic.twitter.com/H1QgXevIii
A chance for the hosts. 
Bradley crosses the ball into the box. It flies past the first two Liverpool men but is collected by Gakpo, who volleys it just wide. 
The ball is sent out for a Liverpool corner which is swiftly dealt with by the West Ham defence.
Goal for Liverpool!
Liverpool are unleashed on the counter and after some great build-up play from Gakpo in midfield, Chiesa acrobatically crosses the ball straight onto Jota’s head in front of the goal, who sends it into the back of the net. 
An instant response from the hosts.
Goal for West Ham!
Coufal wins his team a corner which is sent straight into the box. 
After some scrappy clearing attempts by the Liverpool backline, West Ham have the ball in the back of the net – it’s an unfortunate own goal by Quansah.
West Ham very much on top at the moment.
Danny Ings has the ball in the back of the net after great build-up play from the West Ham team.
However his strike is ruled out. There is no VAR in the League Cup, so the on-pitch decision is final.
Much better play from West Ham though, who are slowly finding their way into this. 
Not sure of the last time a West Ham side played a high line defence at Anfield. Ambitious but risky. Liverpool not found a way through yet, but the gaps are there with the pace in the home attack.
A decent chance for West Ham after a second free kick from Creswell in a matter of minutes. 
He sends it flying into the Liverpool penalty area once again and Todibo manages to get his head to it, but can’t quite direct the header on target.
A free kick for West Ham.
Cresswell takes it from 30 yards out and sends the ball flying into the box. 
It is quickly dealt with by Nunez who gets his head into it and sends it away from danger.
Joe Gomez crosses the ball to Tsimikas on the edge of the penalty area. 
He sends it into the box but it is headed out by a West Ham defender for a second Liverpool corner within the first 10 minutes of this match. 
The corner is taken by Tsimikas and the ball flies into the box, but is easily dealt with by the West Ham defence.
The hosts have enjoyed lots of possession in the opening stages and look very much in control at the moment. 
West Ham are trying their best to play out their own half and have dispossessed the Liverpool players a few times, but the home side keep winning the ball back in dangerous areas. 
An early chance for Liverpool after the home side win the first corner of the match. 
Tsimikas sends the ball into the box and Coufal almost deflects it into his own goal. 
The ball eventually goes wide and a goal kick is given to West Ham.
‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ is a banner in the 6,000-strong away end tonight, with West Ham fans showing their disgust at ticket prices. They sent some black balloons onto the pitch before kick-off too and the stewards are swift with their clear-up job as teams emerged.
As ‘you’ll never walk alone’ rings around Anfield, referee Andrew Madley blows the whistle and West Ham get the match underway.
Bit of a surprise Liverpool youngster Trey Nyoni is not involved this evening, Slot packing the bench with experience.  But a first start for Federico Chiesa should mean Aaron Cresswell has a tricky evening. Hard to know what to expect from West Ham. They should see this as an opportunity to kick start their season.
Reflecting on Liverpool’s starting XI, the manager said: “We made quite a lot of changes but I said many times before that I think we have a really strong squad.
“These ones haven’t played too much, not as much as our other players, but I think they’re ready to play tonight.”
When asked about Liverpool’s impressive record in the League Cup, Slot said: “There’s a big history for this club in the Carabao Cup and of course last season all the fans remember what happened with all the youngsters on the pitch and Virgil scoring the header. 
“But it’s only the first game so lets see what tonight brings for us.”
West Ham travel to Anfield off the back of a 3-0 loss against Chelsea at the weekend. 
It has been a difficult start to the Premier League season for the visitors, who currently sit 14th in the table with three losses, a draw, and one win. 
As Matt Law reported after the match, Hammers fans who had grown tired of David Moyes may be wishing they had not, given their club’s start this season. 
It was hard to tell whether the supporters in the gangways were heading back to their seats after half time or making an early break for the exits. There were jeers of dissatisfaction at Lopetegui’s decision to take off West Ham’s brightest player, Summerville, before the hour mark and the Spaniard can forget about enjoying any sort of honeymoon period.
Of the reaction of the fans, Lopetegui said: “I’m not worried. They have the right to complain, for sure. We have to do better. We have a lot of time to do this.”
Read Matt’s full report here.
Recent history suggests this trip to Liverpool will be nervy for the visitors, who have a poor record at Anfield. 
In their last eight visits, they have lost every time. 
Looking further back, West Ham have only won once in their last 56 visits since 1963. They have lost 41 times and drawn 14 games, conceding 117 goals and scoring just 30 in that time.
As Chris Bascombe reports, Arne Slot sent a clear message to Darwin Nunez on what he must improve to elevate himself from Diogo Jota’s back-up to preferred option. 
“I think it comes down to what you have to do when we have the ball and when we don’t have the ball, and fit his own characteristics into that,” said Slot.
And after an unprecedented spot in Liverpool’s starting XI against Bournemouth on Sunday, it certainly seems as if Nunez has taken his coach’s comments on board. 
In typical Nunez fashion, what does he produce for his first strike of the Slot era? A wonder strike from a seemingly impossible angle from the edge of the penalty area, of course; the finishing touch to the kind of lightning counter-attack which has been a feature of the new manager’s introduction to English football.
“My instinct when he shot was, ‘Why did he shoot?’” laughed Slot, in a sentence which could encapsulate Nunez’s Liverpool career. “Then I thought, ‘Good choice!”
Here was a performance to enlighten Slot as to why so much goodwill is showered upon the Uruguayan, who when endeavouring to lead from the front can prompt a Kop chorus and vigorous applause from his coach just by chasing back into his half to retrieve possession.
Read Chris’s full report here.
Julen Lopetegui has made seven changes to the side that fell to defeat against Chelsea at the weekend. 
Danny Ings, Aaron Cresswell, and Carlos Soler all make their first starts of the season at Anfield.
Crysencio Summerville impressed in his full first team debut against Chelsea on Saturday and has retained his place in the starting XI for tonight’s tie.
And there is a wealth of experience available on the bench, with options including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Michail Antonio, and Lucas Paqueta.
Federico Chiesa makes his first start for Liverpool tonight amid a raft of changes for the home side. 
Luis Diaz and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher are the only two who started at the weekend to keep their spots in the starting XI.
Alisson remains sidelined with a muscle issue and Harvey Elliott is still unavailable. 
How we line up v Liverpool 👇 pic.twitter.com/XkfVssedSJ
The Reds to take on West Ham United 👊 #LIVWHU
Good evening and welcome to our live coverage as defending League Cup champions Liverpool host West Ham in a third round clash.
The visitors will be looking to bounce back after a 3-0 loss to Chelsea at home on Saturday. 
West Ham have had a tricky start to the season under new manager, Julen Lopetegui. He drew criticism after the lacklustre performance of new signing Guido Rodriguez, who was substituted after just 37 minutes at the weekend, and said: “If you make a change before half time, it is not the fault of the player. I can do better. Do not only watch the player, but watch myself in these moments.”
They currently sit 14th in the Premier League with three losses, a draw, and a win – however, their record in the League Cup so far has been more positive after they beat Bournemouth 1-0 in the second round. 
Meanwhile, Liverpool enjoyed a 3-0 win over Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday, with stand-out performances from Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez. 
The latter was given the chance to prove his worth with an unprecedented place in the starting XI at the weekend. And he certainly stepped up to the mark with a wonder strike which put the home side three goals up. 
Speaking about Nunez’s goal after the match, Slot said: “My instinct when he shot was, ‘Why did he shoot?’ 
“Then I thought, ‘Good choice!’”
Liverpool have had a more successful start to the season than their third round opponents and currently sit second in the Premier League.
Their match tonight marks the beginning of their 2024-25 League Cup campaign, as they aim to defend the silverware they secured after beating Chelsea 1-0 in the final last season. 
West Ham have a tough record at Anfield and have won just once in their last 55 visits in all competitions, including three defeats in the League Cup.
It was Liverpool who knocked West Ham out of the tournament last season after they beat their London opponents 5-1 in the quarter finals. 
Team news on the way shortly…