Liverpool bolstered their chances of a Premier League top-five finish as they earned a 5-2 victory over West Ham United at Anfield.
The Reds weren’t exactly at their best despite the scoreline but were ruthless from set-pieces and had the help of a few deflections.
Arne Slot’s side led 3-0 at half-time, with Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister netting from dead-ball scenarios. A strike from Cody Gakpo and an own goal from Axel Disasi extended Liverpool’s advantage in the second period, although there were some causes for concern, allowing West Ham a couple of lifelines and the home side lacked control in certain stages.
Liverpool vs West Ham match report
Liverpool were clinical in the first half and took the lead inside five minutes when Ekitike’s deflected effort beat West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
In fairness, the Hammers made a decent response with Konstantinos Mavropanos flashing two efforts over the bar.
But the Reds doubled the advantage in the 24th minute when Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner was headed home by Virgil van Dijk.
Slot’s men thought they had a third two minutes before the break, with Szoboszlai slipping in Ekitike but the striker’s shot was superbly blocked by Mavrapanos. But from the subsequent corner, Ekitike cushioned a ball back for Mac Allister, whose volley found the roof of the net via an attempted clearance from West Ham’s Aaron Wan Bissaka.
The home faithful might have thought it would be plain sailing for Liverpool in the second period. Yet four minutes after the restart, West Ham proved it would not be a simple task, with Tomas Soucek sliding home.
The Reds spurned a huge chance to restore a three-goal lead on 54 minutes when a long throw-in found its way to Gakpo at the back post but he prodded well wide.
Then a frantic period ensued, with Liverpool unable to find any control and nerves starting to creep in around Anfield. But trepidation was alleviated for a brief period when Gakpo’s shot deflected off Wan Bissaka and found the far corner with 20 minutes remaining.
Yet West Ham showed they were still packing a punch, with Reds keeper Alisson having to keep out Crysencio Summerville. And from the corner conceded, Taty Castellanos wws left unmarked at the back post to hook home and hand the Hammers another lifeline.
But with seven minutes remaining, Liverpool’s cushion was again restored, with substitute Jeremie Frimpong’s cross deflected into his own net by visiting defender Disasi. In the dying embers, youngster Trey Nyoni had an opportunity to net his first Reds goal but he crashed over the bar when picked out by Frimpong.
In truth, it was a strange game to analyse. However, Liverpool’s triumph saw them leapfrog Chelsea, who play leaders Arsenal tomorrow, in the table in the race for Champions League qualification.
Liverpool player ratings vs West Ham
Had one nervous moment when almost gifting Bowen a chance but made a big save at his near post in the first half. No chance with either of West Ham's goals but made a couple of important stops after the break.
1. Alisson Becker - 8
Had one nervous moment when almost gifting Bowen a chance but made a big save at his near post in the first half. No chance with either of West Ham's goals but made a couple of important stops after the break. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Had a good battle with Summerville in the first half and had a shot deflected wide. Long throw-in should have given Liverpool a third only for Gakpo's poor finish. Subbed in the 76th minute.
2. Joe Gomez - 6
Had a good battle with Summerville in the first half and had a shot deflected wide. Long throw-in should have given Liverpool a third only for Gakpo's poor finish. Subbed in the 76th minute. | Getty Images
Made an important block from a Summverville shot in the first half. Didn't always convince with the ball in the second half but defensively sound.
3. Ibrahima Konate - 7
Made an important block from a Summverville shot in the first half. Didn't always convince with the ball in the second half but defensively sound. | Getty Images
Dealt with everything in the first half and displayed his attacking threat yet again by netting Liverpool's second goal. Maybe needed to get his team to settle more in the second half but did his job impeccably.
4. Virgil van Dijk - 8
Dealt with everything in the first half and displayed his attacking threat yet again by netting Liverpool's second goal. Maybe needed to get his team to settle more in the second half but did his job impeccably. | Getty Images