West Ham 2-0 Liverpool: 5 things we learned as Andy Carroll scored against his old club

Michail Antonio opened the scoring before former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll added a second against his former club

Never mind Liverpool. It is West Ham who could be the latest unlikely challengers for the top four.

Headed goals from Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll completed the Hammers’ first double over the Reds for 51 years.

It also lifted the east Londoners up to fifth in the Premier League table, three points behind fourth-placed Spurs and five points clear of eighth-placed Liverpool.

Antonio’s 10th-minute goal made it the first time he has scored in consecutive appearances since November 2014.

Carroll’s effort, 10 minutes after half time was the first time he has scored in successive games since January 2015.

West Ham were solid at the back and vibrant up front. After two straight wins, Liverpool were back to their worst - AWOL at the back and unable to unlock the Hammers’ defence up front.

Their best chance came shortly before half time when Emre Can’s long-range effort his the bar.

West Ham could have had a third had Carroll and Antonio directed their efforts straight at Mignolet in the second half when they should have scored.

Opener: Michail Antonio celebrates after scoring the first goal for West Ham

1. Liverpool have become a team that West Ham are no longer afraid of

The Irons were 3-0 winners at Anfield in the reverse fixture in August. In fact, they have now won three of the last four meetings between the two sides.

This was the first time that West Ham have done the double over their more celebrated rivals since the 1963-64 season.

Their two wins this season have been for the loss of zero goals with five scored.

The Hammers’ solidity in that back five meant that although the Reds’ approach play looked good going forward they were ultimately frustrated.

Astonished: Jurgen Klopp wasn't impressed with some of the refereeing

2. If Liverpool are in the hunt for the top four then why not West Ham?

After losing their first two home league games the Hammers have not been beaten in any of the subsequent seven, winning three and drawing four. Even with all their injuries they are still hard to beat, losing just two of their last nine. Their defeats to Leicester, Watford and Spurs are not looking too bad now given what those clubs are doing this season. And they ended this match above the Reds - three points behind fourth-placed Spurs.

Blow: Andy Carroll scores the second goal for West Ham

3. Michael Antonio is giving Bilic a real headache with his performances

He has had to wait for his opportunity since signing from Forest in the summer. There have been jokes about his absence on Twitter and suggestions that he could go back out on loan to a Championship club. He looked good last week against Southampton, however, and tracked back as well as scoring the decisive goal here. He has earned the right to keep his place - even when Victor Moses is fit.

Joy: Carroll celebrates scoring against his old club

4. With those rumours about Klopp being in for Ter Stegen, Mignolet did not need a day like this

He was beaten twice, not helped by his defence and lacked the authority to give them the kick up the jacksie that they needed. Simon Mignolet will be a nervous man during this January transfer window. Klopp continues to back him but how long can he do so with Liverpool losing games?

Dejected: Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino react after West Ham's second goal

5. The Jurgen Klopp effect is dissolving into a stark reality for Liverpool

All of the problems that cost Brendan Rodgers are weighing Klopp down like an anchor. The goalkeeper and defence are not good enough. Daniel Sturridge was yet again unavailable. Lucas was outgunned in midfield by the greater industry of Kouyate and Noble and Firmino at the moment is an expensive disappointment.

Liverpool will not finish in the top four unless deal with at least some of those issues - starting with their problems in defence.

Tussle: Firmino and Mark Noble compete for the ball

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