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West Ham unable to compete at Anfield

29/10/2005

Boudewijn Zenden made the points safe for Liverpool, making it 2-0 in the 81st minute to seal a comfortable win.

Zenden broke his Liverpool duck with a thumping left-footed drive off the far post to ensure the victory at Anfield.

Xabi Alonso had slammed a deflected pile driver into the net, after an 18th minute corner was only half cleared by Nigel Reo-Coker.

Liverpool should have finished off West Ham far earlier than they did, Hypia and Morientes were the worst culprits, missing good chances to add to the one nil lead.

Rafa Benitez announced an unexpected Liverpool return to 4-4-2. Peter Crouch was dropped to the bench and Morientes and Cisse started together upfront.

Morientes showed why Benitez brought him from La Liga with some excellent touches and intelligent lay-offs. He was given a standing ovation as he left the field. Djibril Cisse was an erratic partner.

Jose Reina had little to do during a lacklustre West Ham performance, yet looked uncomfortable throughout the game.

The only West Ham effort of the second half was a miss hit cross from Tomas Repka, which could have snuck into the goal.

Jamie Carragher was his usual commanding presence, managing to head the ball clear three times in 20 seconds in the 79th minute while Reina flapped and fumbled.

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