The win means that the Reds are still on track to deliver back-to-back wins of a trophy they have already lifted nine times.
There is a long way to go before that becomes a reality, of course, but Arne Slot deserves credit for delivering such a thumping win in his first knockout game in charge.
After the early setback of going behind, it was a good performance from Liverpool, with Diogo Jota the star of the show.
The Reds’ prize for making it through at Anfield is a trip to the South Coast to face Brighton, who are still unbeaten under new boss Fabian Hurzeler.
And giving his reaction to facing he Seagulls in round four, Slot has admitted that he had had something different in mind for his team.
(THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and West Ham Uni...
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Arne Slot disappointed with away draw
The Carabao Cup certainly represents a good way for Slot to get his first trophy on the board as Liverpool manager.
Jurgen Klopp almost won it at the first attempt, losing to Man City in the 2016 final. Klopp had to wait six more years before finally lifting the trophy, but then did so again earlier this year.
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If Slot can guide Liverpool through and emerge victorious at the Wembley final in February, it will be a brilliant basis for the Reds to build on.
Again, there’s plenty of things that need to happen before then. But Wednesday’s win was a show of how deep the Liverpool squad is. They have the means to go far in any competition.
Nevertheless, speaking in his post-match press conference, Slot said that he’d have preferred not to stretch his players with such a long away trip in the next round.
“It’s again a difficult draw,” admitted the Liverpool head coach. “I think almost all the teams that are still in are strong teams and you know if you want to win a trophy or win this cup then you will play against difficult opponents – which was West Ham tonight as well.
“I would’ve preferred to play at home because in our schedule it’s already so tight and so many games that you would prefer not to travel.
“If I’m correct Brighton is not next door – it’s quite a far away game,” he added. “But it’s a quality team to face again.”
When will Liverpool play Brighton?
Slot is right, this is not an easy game at all for Liverpool. Brighton have started really well under Hurzeler and the Reds have a poor recent record at the Amex.
With no win in three games at the home of the Seagulls – and an FA Cup exit in 2023 – Liverpool will be hoping for better this time.
The game is scheduled to be played on the week commencing the 28th of October, so will be on either Tuesday the 29th or Wednesday the 30th.
With Liverpool facing Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday the 27th, it seems likely that Wednesday will be slated for the Brighton match. That’s a lot of travel if the Reds head back up to Merseyside in between.
Ironically, Liverpool then play against the Seagulls again the following weekend, although that one is at Anfield on Saturday November the 2nd.
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