In some ways, it looked like a good game for Liverpool to kick off their season with, a home tie against a team who were just 9 points from the relegation zone last season. However, West Ham invested a lot of money in the close season and brought in an experienced manager in Manuel Pellegrini. So there were signs it could be a much trickier task than it looked at first glance.
New goalkeeper Alisson started between the sticks and Trent Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson played as fullbacks looking to maintain the form from last season. Virgil Van Dijk started in the centre of defence and with Lovren, Matip and Klavan all injured young Joe Gomez played alongside the Dutchman. Liverpool gave another new signing a first start as Naby Kieta played in midfield alongside Milner and Wijnaldum. And up front for Liverpool were the deadly trio that were so effective last season with Mo Salah and Saido Mane either side of Roberto Firmino.
Since it was announced last year I have been excited about the signing of Kieta and from the very early moments of the game, it was clear the excitement was justified. He was so sharp and in control of everything it prompted former Liverpool legend to remark "he's only been playing for 8 minutes but it looks like he's been here for 8 years". And he was right, his link up play with players either side and ahead of him was incredible and Kieta ended up playing a key role for Liverpools goals.
Last seasons top scorer Mo Salah is now a man every defender will know about and look to shut down as much as possible, but it did not take too long for him to pick up where he left off last season as he tucked in a low drive from Robertson to put Liverpool ahead within 20 minutes. Liverpool didn't take the foot off the gas and were punishing West Ham for their strategy of holding a high line, getting in behind every opportunity they could. Liverpool had many chances but didn't manage to finish any of them until right before half time. The ball was crossed from the left beyond everyone to find James Milner on the other side, he adjusted his feet in time to play it back across the face of the goal where a few of his teammates were lurking. It landed nicely for Mane who made no mistake and guided the ball in, putting his team 2-0 just in time for the break.
Liverpool didn't start the second half particularly brightly and if West Ham were going to get anything out of this game that is when they should have capitalised. They failed to do so and before too long Liverpool were back at it again and attacking the West Ham goal. The ball was played in between the defence for Mane to gather it and tuck it home. Replays showed that he was actually offside when the ball was played and the goal should not have stood but the linesman didn't signal and Liverpool were 3-0 ahead.
Liverpool continued to control the game and with some players featuring in the World Cup and having less of a pre season the tempo started to slow. Firmino was substituted for Jordan Henderson, Mane made way for Shaqiri and then 3 minutes from time Salah was taken off for Danny Sturridge. Liverpool had a corner as the substitution took place and Sturridge made his way into the box. Milner played the ball in, it was flicked on at the first post and with his first touch of the ball since being introduced Sturridge tapped it in to put Liverpool 4-0 and send his team top of the league after the first round of fixtures.
It was an incredible performance all round from the Liverpool players but despite being the oldest James Milner stood out as the man of the match. He was involved in almost everything, had a big hand in the goals and seemed like he covered every blade of the Anfield grass. Kieta was also impressive and the link up play with him, Robertson and Mane on the left side, in my opinion, will play a big factor in Liverpool succeeding this season.
New goalkeeper didn't have much to give him any trouble but did show glimpses of why Liverpool paid so much money for him by making a number of tidy passes under pressure. He will be tested a lot more as the season goes on I don't doubt but it was nice to get him off the mark with a clean sheet.
Liverpool come up against Crystal Palace away next Monday, Palace currently sit in 4th place after defeating Fulham 2-0 in their opening fixture.