LIVER BIRDS

Jota leaps into action to send high fliers through

- Chris McKenna

DIOGO JOTA got the first two goals to help Liverpool come from behind against West Ham and kick off their defence of the Carabao Cup.

The fact one of the Reds' best players so far this season started in this competition suggests Arne Slot fancies bringing the Merseysiders back to Wembley.

Mo Salah was brought off the bench to help seal the win and he duly did that with the third before Cody Gakpo got the fourth and fifth late on.

It was an easy night for Slot and he could not have hoped for better against a Hammers side who ended the game with 10 men after a late sending off.

There were changes and rotation as Slot planned but not a huge turn to youth. A mix of regulars and those who have regularly warmed the bench so far this season.

It was enough to see off West Ham, who are now four games without a win.

Julen Lopetegui also made changes from Saturday's defeat at home by Chelsea. A loss this weekend against Brentford and the pressure could be on.