The Saturday tea time game was a chance for an inconsistent Liverpool side to prove their title credentials against a battle hardened West Ham team that had made their worst start to a season in 7 years.
Much had been made about the Hammers lack of goals prior to kick off and you could see why after Zavon Hines wasted a glorious opportunity just 2 minutes in. Jamie Carragher was caught napping at the back but Pepe Reina reacted quickly and managed to make himself big as the 20 year old smashed the ball against the post.
Liverpool soon woke up though as the Reds began to look dangerous. After 7 minutes Yossi Benayoun should have done better after a clever through ball from Torres- his tame attempt from the left hand side of the penalty area rolled straight into Robert Green's arms. Emiliano Insua had the next opportunity as the young Liverpool left back strode infield and drove a 30 yard shot wide of the right hand post.
Fernando Torres had admitted earlier in the week that he had not been playing his best football so far this season and right from the start he looked like he had something to prove. The Spaniard had a penalty appeal turned down and volleyed narrowly wide moments afterwards. But he would soon give the Reds the lead. Insua burst from the half way line and fed El Nino on the left. After instant control and a couple of sublime step-overs, Torres' quick turn of pace allowed him to sprint past James Tomkins with ease and poke the ball home at the near post from a tight angle.
It was to be a double blow for the Hammers as centre back Matthew Upson limped off after injuring himself attempting to stop Torres for the goal. With their inspirational captain substituted and Carlton Cole looking more and more isolated up front it was hard to see how the Hammers were going to get back into the game.
But Liverpool have looked weak defensively this season and predictably it was an unnecessary mistake that led to the equaliser. The impressive Hines outpaced Carragher down the left-hand side, and in his desperation to make amends the Reds' number 23 shoved the home-grown star to the ground. New signing Alessandro Diamanti scored from the spot but he may count himself somewhat lucky. He comically slipped whilst taking the kick and appeared to hit the ball twice before it slowly dropped into the net. Despite justified objections from the Liverpool bench the goal was allowed to stand by referee Andre Marriner.
Liverpool were to go right back in front just 4 minutes later as a Benayoun corner precisely found Steven Gerrard whose guided header ended up in the bottom corner. Dirk Kuyt got the final touch and went down as goal scorer but Gerrard deserved all the credit as it was going in anyway.
This incredible half of football wasn't over yet though as West Ham showed great character to equalise once more. Before the game Liverpool have conceded 7 goals this season and all 7 have resulted from set pieces. Number 9 was simple. Noble flighted an accurate ball over for Cole to get up and score and nothing should be taken away from West Ham in what was a well worked goal. But once more, whether it was down to zonal marking or not, there wasn't a single Liverpool player who came out to attack the ball.
The second half was slow to take off but Liverpool were gradually beginning to take control whilst their opponents were giving them too much time and space. Both teams were lacking quality on the ball. Needing inspiration and a little bit of flair Rafa Beneitz brought on Ryan Babel for Kuyt on the 60 minute mark. The dutchman strode on for his long awaited chance to do his talking on the pitch rather than in the papers.
An inspired run 3 minutes later from former Hammer Benayoun almost got the visitors the lead but after jinking past several challenges he eventually ran out of room in a crowded penalty area.
Ryan Babel made his first contrubution from 25 yards out with a shot that flew straight into row Z. However, he was going to prove invaluable.
Just as the Liverpool coaching staff were screaming at their full backs to get forward and stretch the weary defense Glen Johnson did just that. The full back burst forward from the half way line to get Liverpool up the field and moments later his team were ahead. Babel deftly sprinted past his man and dropped a perfect cross onto the head of the impressive Fernando Torres who directed the ball majestically into the top corner.
From then on, Liverpool were content to hold onto the ball and play down the clock as West Ham didn't seem to have the energy to go for another. Whether Zola's players should be getting cramp 80 minutes into a game at this stage in the season is something that will be debated I'm sure, as the Hammers simply didn't have the legs to press for a third equaliser.
Final score: West Ham 2:3 Liverpool
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