Forget Jota: Liverpool’s 21-touch maestro wreaked havoc in first 45 vs West Ham

Liverpool were caught off guard somewhat by West Ham’s front-footed approach to their Carabao Cup contest.

The visitors shocked Arne Slot’s side in the first half, capitalising on some comical defending in the box to take first blood at Anfield.

Fortunately for the Reds, however, Federico Chiesa’s first start for his new club yielded a levelling of the scoreline after an acrobatic attempt on goal.

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The scoresheet, ultimately, does not lie, and the Italian international was rewarded with an assist for his contribution directly leading to Diogo Jota’s equaliser.

Very much game on at L4.

What do the stats say about Federico Chiesa’s full Liverpool debut vs West Ham

Not a bad start for the No.14 in his first taste of domestic cup action following his summer move from Juventus.

The former Serie A man scored a 7.3 rating in the opening half of action, according to Sofascore, picking up two key passes and one big chance created amongst 21 touches taken.

There’s been more than a few silky moments on the ball too from the Merseysiders’ new resident Italian, as one BBC Radio 5 Live pundit spotted.

“Now that’s what Liverpool fans want to see from Federico Chiesa, little bit of flair, trying something different,” Connor McNamara was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

Liverpool fans would no doubt love to see their summer signing get a goal to his name too – perhaps with a more straightforward bit of play than that which led to Jota’s equaliser!