Dazzling Debut

These days, Liverpool v West Ham United never seems to disappoint and this game was no exception. First there was Pepe Reina’s lapse of concentration, which allowed a mis-hit Zamora cross to squeeze in at the near post to give the Hammers a shock 12 minute lead. Then Liverpool fought back with two brilliant, but very different goals at the end of the first half. On 42 minutes, Daniel Agger was permitted to advance before a retreating West Ham rearguard and unleash an unstoppable shot and three minutes later Crouch slotted home from Garcia’s beautifully disguised reverse pass.

But the second half stood out for Dirk Kuyt’s debut – a 40 minute substitute appearance that made him an instant Anfield hero. The £10 million signing from Feyenoord looks like a traditional centre forward remodelled for the 21st century – right physique, tremendous work rate, good vision and passing ability and a talent for scoring goals with head and feet. It’s early days, but this boy is destined to be a tremendous success in the Premiership.