Ahmad Zein SalamoLondon – The first half of the Premier League clash between West Ham United and Liverpool concluded without a goal at the London Olympic Stadium on Sunday, November 30, 2025, leaving fans anticipating a more decisive second act. Despite Liverpool’s dominance in possession and territorial advantage, they were unable to breach a resolute West Ham defense, marshaled effectively by goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. The match, played at a measured tempo, saw limited clear-cut chances, resulting in a frustrating opening 45 minutes for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool entered the match as strong favorites, currently sitting second in the Premier League table, having accumulated 32 points from their opening 13 games. Their recent form has been impressive, with four wins in their last five league fixtures, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in their previous outing. Klopp’s tactical approach has focused on high pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting the pace of their attacking trio. However, West Ham, under the guidance of David Moyes, presented a stern test, aiming to capitalize on their home advantage and disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm.
West Ham, positioned mid-table with 18 points, have shown resilience at home this season. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five league games. Moyes has emphasized defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities, relying on the pace and creativity of Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta to create chances. The Hammers were looking to improve upon their previous result, a 1-0 away defeat to Newcastle United, and prove their mettle against one of the league’s top teams.
The first significant opportunity of the match fell to Liverpool in the 20th minute. Alexander Isak, the Swedish international striker, found himself in a promising position after a well-directed header from Cody Gakpo. Isak reacted quickly, striking the ball towards goal, but his effort was thwarted by a brilliant save from Areola, who demonstrated excellent reflexes to deny the opening goal. Isak, who joined Liverpool in the summer transfer window, has been a key addition to Klopp’s squad, adding a different dimension to their attack with his pace, movement, and clinical finishing. He had scored seven goals in his previous 13 league appearances, making him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
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Nine minutes later, Liverpool created another chance through Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine midfielder pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the West Ham penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot. However, Areola was once again equal to the task, diving low to his right to gather the ball comfortably. Mac Allister, signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer, has quickly established himself as a vital cog in Liverpool’s midfield, providing creativity, energy, and a tenacious work ethic. His ability to break up play and launch attacks has been instrumental in Liverpool’s impressive form this season.
As the first half progressed, Liverpool continued to probe the West Ham defense, searching for a breakthrough. In the 39th minute, Florian Wirtz, the highly-rated German playmaker, had an opportunity to test Areola. Wirtz received a short pass from Gakpo on the left side of the penalty area, cut inside onto his favored right foot, and fired a shot towards goal. However, Areola was well-positioned to make a comfortable save, denying Wirtz’s attempt to find the net. Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen, has been a revelation this season, showcasing his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability. He has quickly become a fan favorite at Anfield, and his performances have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest attacking midfielders.
Despite Liverpool’s sustained pressure and numerous attempts on goal, the West Ham defense remained resolute, denying the visitors any clear openings. The Hammers’ defensive trio of Soungoutou Magassa, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Jean-Clair Todibo worked tirelessly to protect Areola’s goal, making crucial interceptions and clearances to keep Liverpool at bay. West Ham’s midfield, led by Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts, also played a vital role in disrupting Liverpool’s flow, tracking back diligently and closing down space to prevent the visitors from gaining control of the game.
Liverpool’s inability to convert their dominance into goals highlighted the effectiveness of West Ham’s defensive strategy and the outstanding performance of Areola in goal. The French goalkeeper, who joined West Ham from Paris Saint-Germain, has been a consistent performer for the Hammers, demonstrating his shot-stopping ability, command of his area, and composure under pressure. His saves in the first half proved crucial in keeping the score level and giving West Ham a platform to build upon in the second half.
The tactical battle between Klopp and Moyes was evident throughout the first half, with both managers employing specific strategies to nullify their opponent’s strengths and exploit their weaknesses. Klopp’s emphasis on high pressing and quick transitions aimed to disrupt West Ham’s build-up play and create opportunities for his attacking players. Moyes, on the other hand, focused on defensive organization and counter-attacking opportunities, aiming to frustrate Liverpool and capitalize on any defensive lapses.
Looking ahead to the second half, both teams will be eager to find a breakthrough and secure the three points. Liverpool will likely continue to dominate possession and create attacking opportunities, but they will need to find a way to unlock the West Ham defense and convert their chances into goals. West Ham, meanwhile, will need to maintain their defensive discipline and look for opportunities to exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line on the counter-attack.
The second half promises to be a tense and intriguing affair, with both teams determined to emerge victorious. The outcome of the match could have significant implications for both teams’ ambitions this season, with Liverpool aiming to maintain their title challenge and West Ham looking to climb further up the Premier League table.
Lineups:
West Ham: Alphonse Areola; Soungoutou Magassa, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mateus Fernandes, Freddie Potts, El Hadji Malick Diouf; Jarrod Bowen, Callum Wilson, Lucas Paqueta.
Liverpool: Alisson Becker; Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz; Alexander Isak.
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Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.
His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.
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