Daniel Sturridge scored in his first game in five months as Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over West Ham United at Anfield this afternoon.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring in the second half and Sturridge added a second to give the Reds their third consecutive win in the top flight.
West Ham, who have not won at Anfield in 42 league meetings, have now suffered their third defeat in seven league matches.
Below, Sports Mole assesses whether Liverpool's victory was a fair result.
Match statistics
LIVERPOOL
Shots: 21
On target: 7
Possession: 66%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 12
WEST HAM UNITED
Shots: 7
On target: 2
Possession: 34%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 12
Was the result fair?
Both sides began the fixture with attacking intent, but Liverpool dominated proceedings as the game went on. Despite their possession, the home side struggled to find that clinical touch in the final third, but an opening goal from Sterling lifted the team and Sturridge's arrival ensured that the Reds took home all three points.
While Andy Carroll proved to be a nuisance, the striker failed to take revenge on his former club as he was substituted in the second half. The Hammers showed glimpses of troubling Liverpool, but they struggled to get into their stride.
Liverpool's performance
In recent weeks, the Merseyside outfit have shown the attacking flair and pace that they perfected last season and all that has seemed to be missing is that goal threat. Philippe Coutinho impressed in his role, as he has done in the last few games, while Sterling troubled the Hammers defence with his quick feet. The arrival of Sturridge on the pitch boosted Liverpool further and they fully deserved maximum points.
West Ham's performance
Sam Allardyce would have gone into the half-time interval relatively pleased with his side's performance. They managed to hold off Liverpool for 45 minutes, but overall they struggled to take the game to the Reds, despite starting off on the front foot. The defence - James Collins in particular - struggled to cope with Sterling and they always looked vulnerable when Liverpool were on the break.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Philippe Coutinho: This could have easily been given to Sterling for his efforts this afternoon, but the Brazilian's trickery and quick movement caused West Ham all sorts of trouble. He was able to find pockets of space and set up both goals for Sterling and Sturridge. He seemed to be the first point of call when his teammates launched an attack, and the 22-year-old has proven why he is worthy of a first-team place in recent games.
Biggest gaffe
Liverpool managed to win the game, so this mistake does not seem too costly, but it would have been had West Ham nicked a winner or the game ended goalless. Lazar Markovic had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring in the final minute of the first half. The Serbian latched onto a loose ball and was just a matter of yards away from the goal, but his effort flew wide of the target. He should have buried it.
Referee performance
Andre Marriner had to deal with a few incidents involving Carroll, whose flailing arms caused problems for Emre Can and Markovic, but the referee did the right thing in letting them slide. He allowed the game to flow, but he decided to wave away a penalty claim by Sterling after he appeared to be brought down by Joey O'Brien. It was not a stonewall penalty, and therefore he cannot be blamed for turning down the appeals.
What next?
Liverpool: The Reds will face Bolton Wanderers away in an FA Cup fourth-round replay on Wednesday evening.
West Ham: The Hammers don't play again until next Sunday as they welcome Manchester United to Upton Park in the Premier League.
Danielle Joynson
