Darwin Nunez header earns Liverpool victory over West Ham

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez’s first Anfield goal capped an impressive individual performance as a 1-0 win over West Ham was secured thanks to Alisson Becker’s penalty save.

The 23-year-old, a summer arrival in a £64 million deal which with add-ons could eventually make him a club-record signing, has had a disjointed start to his Liverpool career but is already becoming something of a cult figure.

His willingness to shoot on sight offers Jurgen Klopp’s side an unpredictability in the final third and West Ham experienced that first-hand in a show reel 45 minutes from the striker, one of five changes from Sunday’s win over Manchester City.

It helped extend Hammers manager David Moyes’ winless run at Anfield to 19 matches and the club’s woeful record to one victory since 1963 and just 10 points out a possible 111.

But they may have eked out a point had another South American – Brazil international Alisson – not come to Liverpool’s rescue by denying Jarrod Bowen’s penalty late in the first half.

“It was a really tough game, a tough match, the opponent gave us hard work but we did a good job to create more chances than them, especially in the first half,” said Alisson.

“When a goalkeeper saves a penalty it is always a massive thing. I believe the responsibility is on the penalty taker, the biggest advantage is in their hands but we work hard every to be fit, strong and have a good reaction.

“I'm pleased to make the save and help the team get the win. To save a penalty I need to be fast, agile, everything. It is also a mental moment and be clear to make the right decision.”

Mohamed Salah moved back to the right side of a 4-4-2 to accommodate Nunez, whose role in the team has taken on more significance after Diogo Jota was