The legendary Bill Shankly once amusingly stated that there were two great teams on Merseyside -- Liverpool and Liverpool reserves.
It was many decades ago that Shankly uttered the words, but Jurgen Klopp seemingly decided to test the claim, making 10 changes to the Liverpool side that won at Norwich last week.
West Ham inevitably misread the script. Seeing a reserve defence and a bunch of Anfield youngsters, a strong West Ham team decided to take things easy, helping fashion a turgid 0-0 stalemate in a game that produced few chances and little entertainment.
It says much about life under Slaven Bilic that Hammers fans will be disappointed to take Liverpool back to Upton Park for a replay. But the Hammers could rue the missed opportunity to really attack the Reds; something that has served them well in their two previous games this season.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Darren Randolph, 8 -- The former Birmingham keeper made several important saves. It was apparent from early on that the 28-year-old was determined to keep a clean sheet.
DF James Tomkins, 6 -- An awful clash of heads meant Tomkins got a dozen stitches, a bandaged head and an early spot back on the bench. It's hard not feel sorry for the popular local player who has only just recovered from one impressive shiner and is likely to have another for a few weeks. He will surely be out for a few matches.
DF Angelo Ogbonna, 6 -- The Hammers defence kept a clean sheet and the Italian should be complimented on that. Ogbonna always seems to be the junior defender to those alongside him though.
DF Winston Reid, 7 -- No nonsense and few frills, this match needed Reid's leadership.
DF Aaron Cresswell, 6 -- Cleared a header off the line and helped in keeping Liverpool at bay without looking his best.
MF Dimitri Payet, 6 -- The man who everyone now seems to fear showed a few tricks but wasn't able to produce any really incisive moments. Against a second-string back four it was a disappointing outing.
MF Pedro Obiang, 6 -- Just missed with a long-range effort in a middling performance.
MF Alex Song, 4 -- The enigma continues. After an impressive performance a week ago, Song went missing in action again.
MF Cheikhou Kouyate, 6 -- Injured early on and had to be replaced by Jelavic. The Hammers missed his powerful runs.
MF Victor Moses, 5 -- Moses hasn't played as well since his return from injury and this match passed him by.
FW Enner Valencia, 6 - A quiet game for the Ecuadorian who strangely appeared to head away from the goal when well positioned early on.
Substitutes
FW Nikica Jelavic, 6 -- Substitute for Kouyate after only 36 minutes, the Croatian striker didn't produce anything to worry the Liverpool defence.
MF Michail Antonio, 6 -- Came on for Moses on 70 minutes and looked livelier than the man he replaced.
DF Joey O'Brien, 7 -- Replacing Tomkins after 35 minutes, it was good to see O'Brien back in the claret and blue. Never gives less than his best and although his skill set isn't as illustrious as some of the newer signings, Joey's determination and tenacity worked just as well for Bilic as it did for Sam Allardyce.