LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters)

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez’s superb header broke his Anfield duck and earned a 1-0 win over West Ham United in the Premier League but it was a nervy night for the hosts today (October 19).

The mood was buoyant after Liverpool’s victory over champions Manchester City at the weekend and even more so in the 22nd minute when Uruguayan Nunez met a cross from Kostas Tsimikas to put Juergen Klopp’s side in front.

Nunez, signed in June for an initial €75 million (US$73 million) was unstoppable in the first half hour and was close to a second goal when he rattled the post with a piledriver.

STRUGGLED TO CONTAIN HAMMERS

But West Ham grew in confidence and had a golden chance to level before halftime but Jarrod Bowen’s penalty kick was well-saved by goalkeeper Alisson.

Liverpool, lacking the intensity they showed against City, struggled to contain the lively Hammers after the break.

The Londoners would have taken a deserved point home had Said Benrahma or Tomas Soucek converted great chances.

The victory lifted Liverpool into seventh place with 16 points from 10 games. West Ham’s first defeat in four league games left them in 13th with 11 points.