Slot’s secret weapon revealed: Chiesa threat looms over West Ham clash

Liverpool travel to the London Stadium on Sunday knowing they must arrest their alarming run of form — but Arne Slot may have a trump card that could swing the match in his favour. Unfortunately for Nuno Espírito Santo, that trump card is also the last thing West Ham want to see coming off the bench: Federico Chiesa.

West Ham’s morale has been lifted by a three-game unbeaten streak, including their 2–2 draw with Bournemouth that temporarily dragged them out of the relegation zone. Confidence is improving, performances are stabilising, and home supporters sense an opportunity against a Liverpool side still reeling from recent results. But recent history — and numbers — suggest one player could rip open even the tightest West Ham game plan.

And that player thrives when starting on the bench.

The focus keyphrase Slot secret weapon Chiesa West Ham captures the core of this matchup. Chiesa has quietly become one of the most devastating substitute forwards in the Premier League this season, impacting matches at a level normally reserved for elite, in-form starters.

His statistical output is extraordinary:

These aren’t numbers of a decent rotational option — they’re numbers of a terrifying, game-changing weapon. And Slot knows exactly how to deploy him.

Given Chiesa has yet to start a Premier League match this season, the probability he comes on around the hour mark is high. And that timing is exactly what will worry West Ham.

If there is one scenario Nuno will want to avoid, it’s Chiesa entering the pitch late against tired defenders. West Ham’s second-half record recently points to a major structural weakness:

Liverpool’s Italian international specialises in attacking these exact vulnerabilities. His direct dribbling, acceleration off the left, and ability to create separation with one touch make him extremely difficult to contain when defenders’ energy levels are fading.

In our view, this is why starting Chiesa actually benefits West Ham: it brings him into the match before fitness gaps appear. As a sub, however, he hits teams when their defensive shape is stretched, when discipline is slipping, and when mental lapses become fatal.

Although some believe Slot should reward Chiesa with a start, other indications suggest Liverpool’s coaching staff see his late-game explosiveness as a tactical edge — one they may not want to sacrifice yet.

From my experience analysing Liverpool under Slot this season, Chiesa functions as the “chaos injector”: the player introduced when Liverpool need verticality, unpredictability and pure aggression in the final third. His presence forces defensive units to retreat deeper.

For West Ham, the danger is compounded by their recent tendency to concede territory late. Nuno’s side often defends deep for long stretches; introducing Chiesa into that environment can be catastrophic because he thrives in tight spaces with defenders pinned inside their own box.

It’s worth questioning whether Nuno might adjust by adding fresh legs earlier — perhaps a defensive winger or an extra midfield runner — to protect the full-backs from overloads. But if the match is close heading into the final 25 minutes, all signs tilt toward Chiesa becoming the decisive figure.

Liverpool face West Ham on Sunday, 30 November, with Slot desperate for a turning point. Whether Chiesa starts or comes off the bench may dictate the flow — and potentially the outcome — of the match.

👉 Liverpool fans — should Chiesa finally start, or is he more valuable as the Premier League’s ultimate super-sub?