Liverpool strengthened their bid for a second Premier League title in 35 years with a commanding 5-0 victory over West Ham, extending their lead to eight points at the top of the table.
Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota all scored as the Reds wrapped up a dominant win at the London Stadium. The result leaves Jurgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, in a strong position after guiding the team to 23 wins in 27 matches across all competitions.
Diaz opened the scoring on 30 minutes, pouncing on a rebound off a West Ham defender to slot in his shot. West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus came close to equalising but was denied by the post.
Two quick goals before half-time sealed the contest. Gakpo, set up by Salah, slotted home his ninth goal in 14 matches, before Salah added a second with a curling shot that slipped past Hammers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
The match also marked Salah’s 20th goal for the eighth consecutive season, continuing his prolific run since joining Liverpool in 2017.
The Reds weren’t finished yet. Alexander-Arnold, linked with a move to Real Madrid, showed his value with a thunderous strike that deflected in off Max Kilman. Jota completed the rout with a fifth goal, following a brilliant assist from Salah, who now boasts 13 Premier League assists this season to complement his 17 goals in 18 games.
Despite a four-game unbeaten run, West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui remains under pressure following another heavy home defeat.
Liverpool’s commanding form, coupled with speculation surrounding key players’ futures, leaves them as firm favourites for the title as they approach the halfway point of the season.
