The Kopite View

On paper, a 5–2 win over West Ham United looks emphatic. Ruthless. Convincing.

But anyone who actually watched the game knows it wasn’t quite as dominant as the scoreline suggests.

Yes, Liverpool scored five.

Yes, there were moments of attacking quality.

But control? That’s another conversation entirely.

Three Deflections, Fine Margins

Three of Liverpool’s goals came via significant deflections.

That’s not to say they don’t count — they absolutely do. You create your own luck by shooting and putting defenders under pressure.

But deflected goals mask underlying performance.

If those strikes don’t take a touch?

Are we talking about a controlled dismantling… or a tight, chaotic game?

There’s a difference.

Set Pieces — West Ham Were Poor

Liverpool also capitalised on some incredibly poor defending from set pieces.

West Ham’s organisation was shaky.

Second balls weren’t cleared properly.

Marking looked confused.

Credit to Liverpool for attacking those moments aggressively — but again, that’s exploiting weakness rather than suffocating an opponent.

There’s a difference between dominance and opportunism.

The Real Concern: Midfield Control

The biggest issue wasn’t the defence.

It wasn’t the attack.

It was midfield.

Too often, West Ham played through Liverpool with surprising ease.

Simple vertical passes bypassed the first press.

Midfield runners weren’t tracked consistently.

Transitions felt loose rather than managed.

For a side that wants to compete deep into Europe and domestically, control in midfield is non-negotiable.

At times, it felt like Liverpool were stretched — relying on individual moments rather than structural dominance.

Chaos Instead of Control

There’s nothing wrong with chaos when you’re clinical.

But elite sides control tempo.

They dictate pace.

They suffocate games at 2–0.

They manage space between the lines.

Liverpool didn’t do that consistently.

It felt open.

Too open.

Against stronger opposition, that openness becomes dangerous.

The Positive Perspective

Five goals still matter.

Confidence matters.

Momentum matters.

Home wins matter.

But if you’re looking beyond the headline result and thinking about Champions League ambitions, this performance leaves questions.

It was effective.

It wasn’t controlled.

Final Thought

A 5–2 win will always look impressive in the table.

But if Liverpool want to move from entertaining to dominant, midfield control has to improve — quickly.

Because better teams won’t miss the chances West Ham did.

And they won’t defend set pieces that poorly either.

If you’d like, I can also help you frame this as a slightly more provocative headline to drive debate — something that challenges the narrative while staying balanced.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s team selection for West Ham feels deliberate. Not experimental. Not reactive. Deliberate.

With Alisson in goal behind a back four of Gomez, van Dijk, Konaté and Kerkez, the defensive unit looks like a blend of authority and mobility. There’s leadership, recovery pace, and a clear desire to control the game from the back rather than simply survive it.

In midfield, Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai continues to look like the manager’s preferred trio for balance. Gravenberch’s physical presence and ability to drive through midfield complements Mac Allister’s control and intelligence, while Szoboszlai provides the intensity and forward thrust. It’s a midfield designed to dominate transitions rather than just recycle possession.

And then the front three.

Salah. Gakpo. Ekitike.

That combination feels significant. Salah remains the constant — the reference point, the elite match-winner. Gakpo’s inclusion suggests fluidity, drifting inside and linking play, while Ekitike continues to be trusted centrally. There’s a clear message here: this isn’t just rotation, it’s development. Liverpool are building patterns with this attack.

Perhaps just as interesting are the omissions.

Ngumoha, Robertson and Jones are left out again. That suggests this isn’t about minor knocks or simple rotation — it’s about pecking order and tactical preference right now. Robertson’s absence especially feels notable, given his long-standing importance. Kerkez’s continued selection indicates faith in his profile — likely for his energy and attacking width.

Jones missing out again hints at how competitive that midfield has become. Liverpool’s engine room is no longer about potential — it’s about impact.

And then there’s Frimpong returning to the bench. That’s a boost. Even from the sidelines, his presence offers a different dimension if the game needs stretching late on. Pace, directness, unpredictability.

Overall, this selection doesn’t scream gamble. It suggests clarity.

Liverpool aren’t searching. They’re settling.

And at this stage of the season, that might be the most important sign of all.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool fans have watched with growing frustration as Mohamed Salah — one of the club’s all-time great match-winners — has struggled for real influence in recent games.

There’s no doubt about his talent.

No question about his footballing intelligence.

But form is temporary — and momentum matters.

Today’s fixture against West Ham United is the perfect opportunity for Salah to start turning things around.

Why This Matters

Salah has carried Liverpool’s attack across multiple seasons.

His movement, timing, and finishing have lifted this club time and time again.

But goals and impact haven’t been coming as frequently this season — and supporters have begun to voice their frustration.

That does not define his career.

But it does define the urgency for improvement.

West Ham Is The Perfect Stage

West Ham are a side that will allow:

Space behind their defensive line Transition opportunities Chances for wide attackers to get in behind

Those are exactly the scenarios where Salah thrives.

If Liverpool are to control this game, they need an early spark — and Salah is the man to provide it.

What Salah Needs To Do

To rediscover form, Salah doesn’t necessarily need:

A hat-trick A dazzling highlight reel A perfect game

He needs:

✔ Early confidence

✔ Sharp first touch

✔ Quick service from midfield

✔ Movement off the ball

✔ Better decision-making in the final third

A composed first 20 minutes could change everything.

Not Just About Goals

This isn’t just about finding the net.

It’s about influence:

Making defenders uneasy Pulling lines out of position Creating space for others Forcing opposition mistakes

A Salah in form elevates the entire attack.

A Signal Liverpool Need

If Salah rediscovers himself today:

The whole forward line benefits Midfield gains confidence Slot’s tactical options open up Liverpool’s momentum returns

If he continues struggling?

The problems Liverpool have shown in creativity and penetration could become far more serious.

Final Thought

Stars aren’t measured by one match — but big players rise to big occasions.

Today is Salah’s chance to remind everyone:

Not that he was great in the past…

But that he still can be great now.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

With Florian Wirtz still unavailable, Liverpool face West Ham United needing balance, control and attacking spark.

But there’s a difference between what I would do — and what Arne Slot is likely to do.

The Team I Would Start

Alisson

Gomez – Konate – Van Dijk – Kerkez

Gravenberch – Mac Allister – Szoboszlai

Salah – Ekitike – Ngumoha

Why?

Because structure matters.

I would start Joe Gomez at right-back. He’s a natural defender. Against a physical West Ham side, defensive solidity is crucial.

That also keeps Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield — where we need his energy, pressing and ball-carrying ability far more than at right-back.

Midfield battles decide games like this.

And then there’s the front three.

Rio Ngumoha deserves a start.

He’s direct. Fearless. Sharp.

Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo hasn’t been at his best recently. Form should matter.

If Ngumoha is improving, reward him.

The Team Slot Will Probably Pick

Alisson

Szoboszlai – Konate – Van Dijk – Kerkez

Gravenberch – Mac Allister – Jones

Salah – Ekitike – Gakpo

This feels more aligned with Slot’s recent decisions.

He has shown trust in Szoboszlai at right-back.

He has leaned toward experience over youth in bigger fixtures.

And he appears cautious about accelerating Ngumoha too quickly.

The Key Difference

The biggest disagreement?

Right-back and left wing.

I believe:

Szoboszlai is more valuable in midfield. Gomez offers defensive security. Ngumoha offers hunger and unpredictability.

Slot seems to prioritise:

Tactical control. Gradual development. Senior reliability.

The Bigger Question

Is this the moment to be bold?

Or is this the moment to trust structure?

With Wirtz unavailable, Liverpool cannot afford creativity gaps in midfield.

For me, that’s why Szoboszlai must play centrally.

And if Ngumoha is good enough to be talked about — he’s good enough to start.

Now it’s over to Slot.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Friday night delivered a result Liverpool simply could not afford to ignore.

While Aston Villa remain six points ahead of Liverpool, they have now played a game more after their defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That changes the picture.

The Table Context

Villa are still ahead.

But with an extra game played, the gap is no longer as daunting as it first appears.

If Liverpool win their game in hand against West Ham today, the deficit shrinks significantly.

Momentum in a Champions League race is everything — and Villa stumbling keeps the door open.

It prevents the gap from stretching into uncomfortable territory.

That’s the positive.

The Immediate Concern

The downside?

Wolves are finding form at exactly the wrong time.

Liverpool travel to Molineux next week for a double-header:

League fixture FA Cup tie the following Friday

And Wolves won’t be short on confidence.

Beating Villa isn’t just three points — it builds belief.

A Dangerous Opponent

Wolves at home are:

Physical Intense Direct

If confidence is added to that mix, Liverpool will face a serious challenge.

This is no longer a team limping toward mid-table safety.

It’s a side sensing opportunity.

Opportunity Still There

Villa’s defeat means Liverpool’s Champions League hopes remain very much alive.

Six points with a game in hand is pressure — but not panic.

However, that pressure now shifts immediately to the Wolves fixtures.

Win those, and the table tightens dramatically.

Drop points, and Villa’s cushion suddenly looks far more secure.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Amid growing noise from supporters calling for Rio Ngumoha to be handed a start against West Ham, Arne Slot has responded — and it didn’t sound like the youngster is about to make the XI.

Speaking ahead of the game, Slot said:

“You see that his playing time has improved massively over the last few weeks.

There’s a reason for that, because he developed, he became a better player.

I think it’s only very positive that people start to talk about him, because that tells you that he does really well.”

On the surface, it’s praise.

But it’s also caution.

Encouragement — Not Acceleration

Slot’s wording suggests he sees Ngumoha’s current role as part of a gradual development process rather than a breakthrough moment.

Yes, minutes are increasing.

Yes, performances have improved.

But nothing in that answer hinted at an immediate promotion to starter.

It felt more like reassurance than a promise.

The Fan Perspective

Supporters are pushing for Ngumoha because:

Liverpool have lacked spark at times Certain senior forwards have struggled for consistency The youngster has looked fearless in limited minutes

When fans see energy and directness, they want more of it.

That’s natural.

But managers often see a bigger picture — physical readiness, tactical discipline, decision-making over 90 minutes.

Managing Expectations

Slot’s response suggests he wants to:

Protect Ngumoha from pressure Control the narrative Reward development gradually

Throwing a young player into a full start too soon can sometimes stall progress rather than accelerate it.

The key phrase was “he developed.”

Slot believes improvement has earned minutes.

Which implies further improvement will earn starts.

The Balance

There’s a fine line here.

Hold him back too long and momentum fades.

Push him too soon and confidence can suffer.

Right now, Slot appears determined to stick with patience.

Whether supporters agree is another matter.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool will be without Florian Wirtz for tomorrow’s home fixture against West Ham United — and while that’s a blow, it may also be a blessing in disguise.

Because this is not the week to take risks.

One Game Or The Bigger Picture?

Wirtz has only recently returned and already shown how important he is to this Liverpool side.

Even in a short absence, his creativity, composure and ability to glide between the lines were noticeably missed.

But rushing him back for a domestic fixture — in the middle of a packed schedule — would be short-term thinking.

The real priority?

Keeping him fully fit for Galatasaray.

Istanbul Is The Game That Matters

Liverpool already know how difficult Galatasaray can be.

They’ve felt it this season.

The atmosphere.

The aggression.

The intensity.

That tie will require technical quality and calmness under pressure — exactly what Wirtz provides.

If he’s 80% fit against West Ham, he shouldn’t play.

If he’s 95% fit but at risk of aggravation, he shouldn’t play.

European knockout football demands full fitness, not optimism.

Squad Depth Must Step Up

This is where Liverpool’s depth gets tested.

Others must carry the creative burden for one domestic match.

It’s an opportunity — not a crisis.

Protecting key players at the right time is how serious European campaigns are managed.

Busy Weeks Define Seasons

Liverpool have a congested schedule ahead.

In weeks like this, smart decisions matter more than emotional ones.

Three points against West Ham would be welcome.

But losing Wirtz long-term because of impatience would be far more damaging.

The message should be clear:

Wrap him up.

Get him right.

Unleash him in Europe.

Because Galatasaray away is not the night to be underpowered.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

With Liverpool’s latest financial results announced today, showing record revenue of around £703 million and a modest £8 million profit after tax, it really puts into perspective how modern football ownership actually works.

On paper, £8 million profit against that level of turnover does not look huge. In most industries, you would expect significantly higher margins. But football is different. Football clubs are not built to sit on profit — they are built to compete.

And that is exactly why the UEFA Champions League is so important.

Revenue Is Massive — But So Are Costs

A £703 million turnover is an extraordinary figure. It reflects commercial growth, matchday income at Anfield, broadcasting revenue from domestic competitions, and global brand expansion.

But costs rise just as quickly:

Player wages Transfer amortisation Performance bonuses Infrastructure and stadium investment Staff across football and commercial departments

At elite level, standing still is going backwards. If Liverpool want to compete for the Premier League title and in Europe, they must continually reinvest.

That £8 million profit shows sustainability — not extravagance.

The Champions League Effect

This is where the Champions League becomes crucial.

Participation alone guarantees significant broadcasting income. Progression through the group stages and knockout rounds adds millions more in prize money. Matchday revenue from high-profile European nights at Anfield boosts income further. Commercial bonuses are often tied directly to Champions League qualification.

Miss out on the competition, and the financial picture shifts dramatically.

We saw across Europe how clubs that fail to qualify are forced into tighter spending. The margin between competing for trophies and rebuilding suddenly becomes far thinner.

For Liverpool, Champions League football is not a luxury. It is a structural pillar of the business model.

Stability vs. Risk

Liverpool’s numbers also highlight the ownership model under Fenway Sports Group.

This is not reckless spending funded by state wealth or unsustainable debt. It is calculated investment backed by revenue. The club largely spends what it earns.

That approach means qualifying for the Champions League is not just about prestige — it directly impacts transfer budgets, wage flexibility, and long-term planning.

Without it, even record commercial growth can feel constrained.

The Bigger Picture

£703 million in revenue is proof of Liverpool’s global power. £8 million profit is proof of careful balancing.

But the takeaway is simple: the Champions League is the difference between maximising potential and managing limitations.

At the very top level of modern football, competing financially and competing on the pitch are inseparable.

And Liverpool’s latest accounts make one thing crystal clear — European nights at Anfield are not just magical.

They are essential.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There’s topping the league stage.

And then there’s what you get for it.

Last season, Liverpool finished top and were rewarded with a brutal knockout tie against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.

It felt harsh at the time.

It looks even harsher now.

Because this season, Arsenal have topped the league stage — and their projected path appears significantly kinder.

Liverpool’s “Reward” Last Season

Finishing first should, in theory, protect you.

Instead, Liverpool were thrown straight into a heavyweight clash.

PSG didn’t just knock them out.

They went on to win the entire competition.

So effectively, Liverpool’s reward for excellence in the group stage was facing the strongest team in Europe earlier than expected.

That’s not bad performance.

That’s brutal timing.

Arsenal’s Route This Year

Fast forward twelve months.

Arsenal finish top.

And while no Champions League tie is easy, their bracket lacks an immediate collision with reigning champions or serial European winners.

There’s no early PSG.

No instant Real Madrid.

No stacked semi-final gauntlet.

For two teams achieving the same accomplishment — topping the league stage — the difference in “reward” feels stark.

Is It Just Luck?

Of course, draws are random.

There’s no conspiracy.

But it does highlight something uncomfortable:

Topping the league stage does not guarantee protection from the competition’s strongest side.

Liverpool found that out the hard way.

Arsenal, this year, appear to have benefited from better fortune.

Fine Margins At The Top

In knockout football, timing matters as much as quality.

Draw PSG too early? You’re out.

Draw them later? Maybe you’ve built momentum.

Avoid them entirely? Path opens up.

Last season, Liverpool were unlucky.

This season, Arsenal may have been fortunate.

And sometimes in Europe, that difference is everything.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

The draw has been made — and Liverpool now know the potential path standing between them and another Champions League final.

It is demanding.

It is dramatic.

And it carries history.

Here’s how the road could unfold.

Last 16: Galatasaray

This isn’t unfamiliar territory.

Galatasaray already beat Liverpool 1-0 earlier this season — a result that exposed how difficult they can be, especially in high-intensity European nights.

The atmosphere in Istanbul is one of the fiercest in football. Liverpool would need control, composure and far greater cutting edge than they showed in that previous meeting.

There will be no complacency.

Quarter-Final: Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain

Either tie brings danger — but PSG would carry extra narrative weight.

PSG are the reigning champions.

And they were the side that knocked Liverpool out of the competition last season.

That memory would linger.

It would be a chance for redemption — but also a reminder of how clinical and ruthless the French giants can be on the biggest stage.

Chelsea, meanwhile, would bring familiarity and Premier League intensity.

Neither path offers comfort.

Semi-Final: European Royalty Awaits

Potentially:

Real Madrid Manchester City Atalanta Bayern Munich

This is where the route becomes truly brutal.

Real Madrid’s Champions League aura.

Manchester City’s tactical dominance.

Bayern’s European pedigree.

Atalanta’s relentless intensity.

To reach the final, Liverpool would likely have to eliminate one genuine heavyweight.

The Final… Possibly Arsenal

If the bracket unfolds as projected, Arsenal could be waiting.

An all-English final.

Pressure beyond measure.

Narrative everywhere.

No Soft Route — Only Tests

This isn’t a gentle path.

It’s a route built on revenge opportunities, hostile atmospheres and elite opponents.

Galatasaray have already shown they can hurt Liverpool.

PSG have already ended their campaign once before.

And beyond that lies Europe’s established giants.

If Liverpool make the final through this path, it would not be questioned.

It would be earned.

Jamie (The Kopite View)