{"id":544319,"date":"2020-02-24T17:47:16","date_gmt":"2020-02-24T22:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=544319"},"modified":"2020-02-24T17:47:16","modified_gmt":"2020-02-24T22:47:16","slug":"alex-oxlade-chamberlain-vital-in-west-ham-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/02\/24\/alex-oxlade-chamberlain-vital-in-west-ham-win\/","title":{"rendered":"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Vital In West Ham Win"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liverpool<\/a> battled their way to an eventual 3-2 victory over West Ham United<\/a> at Anfield on Monday evening. The result means that Jurgen Klopp’s side are now only four wins away from securing a first Premier League title. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Reds. Liverpool produced a somewhat dire performance until Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain<\/a> was subbed on.<\/p>\n

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Vital<\/h2>\n

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Shows His Worth<\/h3>\n

One player who was unlucky not to start against West Ham was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The England international has been in fine form when he has featured recently, scoring several important goals. Jordan Henderson<\/a> missed the game through injury, though Oxlade-Chamberlain had to settle for a place on the bench.<\/p>\n

Liverpool only returned to their usual selves when Oxlade-Chamberlain was subbed on for Naby Keita<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Naby Keita Needs To Improve<\/h2>\n

Instead of Oxlade-Chamberlain, it was Naby Keita who featured in the starting line up. Klopp intended to start James Milner<\/a> in Henderson’s place, though the vice-captain also missed the game through injury.<\/p>\n

The Guinean international failed to take his chance to impress. He has impressed in fits and starts, though he seems to be a player who needs consistent game time to find his rhythm. For all the hype that he came with, Keita has been largely disappointing.<\/p>\n

Firmino’s Anfield Problem<\/h2>\n

Bizarrely, Roberto Firmino<\/a> is yet to score a goal at Anfield this season in the Premier League. However, this does not discredit the work that he does for the team – this Liverpool team would not flow in the same way if it were not for the number nine.<\/p>\n

He would have been disappointed with some of the chances he missed, though Liverpool have three world class forwards. Sadio Mane<\/a> and Mohamed Salah<\/a> helped themselves to a goal each, meaning that Liverpool have matched the record for most consecutive Premier League wins.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n