Now, this is more like it. Joao Teixeira has a go from the corner of the box, asking Randolph to beat the ball away. Apart from that goalmouth scramble non-penalty, West Ham have been inferior in the second half.

In fairness to Liverpool, being able to hang with West Ham while fielding such an unfamiliar team is probably worthy of some credit. A Payet mistake almost lets the Reds in, but the ball is cleared and the resulting corner comes to nothing.

Image source, Getty Images

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"What a shame for Joe Allen. He got himself into a great position. The timing was perfect, the pass was perfect but the shot? About 50ft too high..."

The noise inside Anfield tells you all you need to know about the quality of the spectacle. Very, very quiet. When the ball gets pulled back to Joe Allen, he balloons it over the bar. Jurgen Klopp does some sort of body-popping dance in disappointment.

Image source, PA

Andrew Douthwaite: All these crosses into the box. Carroll would of had a field day!   

The more I think about it, the more I think that West Ham should have had a penalty. Caulker could easily have avoided the ball hitting his arm. Big talking point. Another Payet free-kick is dealt with and Liverpool break, but Brad Smith can't find Jordon Ibe.

Nice start to the second period, with Liverpool coming down the left. Kevin Stewart, a man with a name from the 1990s, is crowded out by three West Ham defenders.

Image source, AP

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"There were three chances in there for West Ham. It was more luck than judgement that saw Liverpool get out of that one.

"The last minute has possibly been the most enjoyable minute of the game so far - attacks from both sides."

You know what, West Ham might have had a penalty in that scramble. The ball was flicked on, with Steven Caulker almost catching it. Deliberate? I'm not sure his hand should have been there...

Image source, Reuters

Should it be 1-0 to the Hammers? There's a right old scramble in the Liverpool box, pinball-style. It comes from a teasing Payet free-kick, with the ball dropping in the six-yard box. I think Winston Reid was in there, but Liverpool eventually hack it clear.

West Ham are trying to press, but Liverpool are keeping the ball well. When the Reds look for the killer pass, it goes all the way through to Randolph.

Image source, Reuters

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"Christian Benteke has looked fairly dangerous, even though his body language isn't what it was when he was at his very best."

Image source, Reuters

Back under way. Can we have a better second half, please?

The players are back out. Liverpool will be attacking the Kop in the second half.

The West Ham subs are out for a kickabout during the interval. They should be careful. One more injury and the Hammers are down to the bare bones.

Image source, Reuters

Having said all that, I do like the look of Cameron Brannagan. Decent energy, moves about, pings a pass and likes a dabble from distance.

There was one shot on target...

Image source, Reuters

Gary Wilson: "terrible" - You're having a laugh, surely, Stephan? Lots of endeavour from the LFC kids against a decent PL side.  

Mark, if the thing we're remembering from a half of football is two injuries, that doesn't suggest to me it's been a classic?

Mark Brandon 11: Stephan? How exactly was that terrible. open game, afew half chances and incidents with two injuries etc... they're not Man U!?