da dobrowin： In case you haven’t realised, it’s the small matter of Liverpool against West Ham this weekend. The Reds play hosts to the under-fire Hammers hoping to close the four-point gap that has developed between themselves and Premier League leaders Chelsea at the summit of the table.
da 888： Ahead of the visit of West Ham, Football FanCast have decided to open the historical files and reacquaint ourselves with some of the best Reds strikes scored against the Irons in recent years.
There’s no denying Slaven Bilic will be hopeful yet another wonder goal doesn’t occur this weekend as he is desperate for three points – or even just not to be humiliated once again this season.
Everyone is all too aware of the Reds attacking prowess and their ability to accumulate huge winning margins, but can they add another stunning strike to this collection on Sunday?
Here are five of the best goals Liverpool have scored against the Hammers in recent years.
Robbie Fowler – 1997
What a goal by ‘God’. Robbie Fowler scored his 86th Liverpool goal during the club’s victory over West Ham in September 1997.
Seven minutes after half-time, the Reds were struggling to impose themselves on Harry Redknapp’s Hammers side. Fowler took matters into his hands and scored a beautiful volley that’s still fondly remembered on Merseyside.
Goals like this highlight exactly why Fowler remains a legend amongst Liverpool fans.
Steven Gerrard – 2006
With F.A. Cup glory seemingly slipping away from Liverpool in 2006, Steven Gerrard still had more to say regarding the outcome of the final against West Ham.
At this stage of the match, seconds were remaining on the clock as the Reds bombarded the Hammers backline. A headed clearance fell straight into the path of Gerrard, who hammered a half-volley in from thirty yards.
Liverpool won the contest on penalties and Gerrard’s goal has gone down in FA Cup folklore.
Dirk Kuyt – 2007
Dutch forward Kuyt emerged as somewhat of a cult hero during his time at Anfield as his devotion to the cause became a fundamental factor of the Reds’ success during the late 2000s.
Goals like this one scored at Upton Park in January 2007 further highlighted the Dutchman’s ability, with solid technique and a low driving shot.
Daniel Sturridge – 2015
If ever there was a goal to sum up the ability of Daniel Sturridge perfectly then it’s this one. During Liverpool’s home clash with West Ham in January 2015, Sturridge returned from injury in devastating fashion.
The touch to take the ball away from the Hammers backline was exquisite, but the finish to fire past Adrian was even more impressive. A typical Sturridge goal.
Philippe Coutinho – 2016
Coutinho’s Brazilian flair was expertly witnessed during their F.A. Cup fourth round clash at Upton Park in February. After going a goal behind thanks to Michail Antonio, Coutinho took proceedings into his own hands and fired the Reds back into the contest.
A twenty-yard free-kick saw Coutinho cleverly shoot underneath the jumping West Ham wall to provide Liverpool with an equaliser. The Reds lost the match, but the goal was truly superb.