Match Analysis: West Ham United 2-3 Liverpool

Liverpool returned to the top half of the Premier League table today courtesy of a dramatic win at West Ham United.

Glen Johnson fired the Reds ahead with a 25-yard wonderstrike on 11 minutes, but the Hammers fought back to lead at half time through a Mark Noble penalty and a Steven Gerrard own goal.

Brendan Rodgers's side levelled the scores 14 minutes from time when Joe Cole slotted home following a crisp pass by Raheem Sterling.

Liverpool then sealed their first away win in the league since September when James Collins deflected Jordan Henderson's cross into his own net from close range.

Here, Sports Mole determines whether or not the result was reflective of the action.

Match statistics:

West Ham: Shots 11 On target4 Possession 39% Corners 2 Fouls 12

Liverpool: Shots 16 On target 3 Possession 61% Corners 2 Fouls 12

Was the result fair?

On the balance of play, a draw probably would have been fairer. Liverpool were brilliant for the first 15 minutes, as well as the last. However, for the hour in between, West Ham were much the better side.

West Ham's performance

The Hammers looked quite comfortable at the back for most of the match and, going forward, Matt Jarvis was in fine form down the left.

Liverpool's performance

The Reds certainly missed the presence of the suspended Luis Suarez up front. They got lucky today, as an own goal and a moment of brilliance from Johnson helped them to victory. I feel that they would certainly struggle to keep finding the net if the Uruguayan were to become injured.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Raheem Sterling was Liverpool's biggest threat going forward. The 18-year-old winger registered four shots and won four free kicks for his side.

Biggest gaffe

While Collins's own goal was very unlucky, Gerrard's was clumsy to say the least. With no West Ham player near him, the Reds skipper nodded the ball beyond Pepe Reina to give the hosts a huge boost on the stroke of half time.

Referee's performance

Lee Probert was correct to award West Ham a penalty in the first half when Joe Allen handled Guy Demel's shot. However, he should have then awarded the Reds a spot-kick late in the second period when Winston Reid brought down Jonjo Shelvey.

What next?

West Ham visit high-flyers West Bromwich Albion a week today.

Liverpool host Aston Villa on Saturday.