David James explains why Alisson shouldn’t be blamed for West Ham defeat.
Liverpool’s zonal marking has made it difficult for Alisson to deal with West Ham’s early corner by putting the ball at the back of his own net.
West Ham striker Michail Antonio acted as a distraction even though Reds believe that Alisson was fouled during the corner.
James said: “I’ve been in that position before as a player and the difficulty is that Liverpool set up with a mainly zonal marking system from corners, and it was the first corner as well, which I think was the worst situation for them in the sense that West Ham, and particularly Michail Antonio, knew what they were doing.
“Antonio actually wasn’t being too much of a distraction by what he was doing but, unfortunately for Alisson, he was distracted by Antonio.
“It’s easier to say in hindsight but had he held his ground and made a focussed attempt for the ball, then he wouldn’t have got caught in that position, but Michail Antonio did exactly what he needed to do, which was to make sure the goalkeeper wasn’t focussed on the cross from the corner.
“Even the third goal, Antonio was in a position where Alisson was caught, and it’s difficult if you’re not used to that kind of opposition.
“West Ham took full advantage of it. It’s a very difficult one for the goalkeeper.”
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