Liverpool maintained their pursuit of Champions League qualification with a goal-filled Premier League victory over West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday afternoon. Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and an Axel Disasi own goal saw the Reds plunder five with Tomas Soucek and Taty Castellanos netting twice in the second half for the Hammers as the hosts won 5-2.
The outcome means Arne Slot's squad have extended their run to two losses in 21 matches and have temporarily drawn level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United. Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool team's performances...
Got away with carelessly striking pass at the nearby Bowen but sharp to deny Konate deflection first half and clung on to Fernandes effort after the interval before fine stop from Summerville.
Had his work cut out with the tricky Summerville but still managed to venture forward occasionally before the break. More challenging second half as West Ham intensified pressure. Subbed.
Intervened when needed defensively as West Ham looked threatening on the counter-attack but failure to deal with one delivery led to first Hammers goal.
Excellent strength to fend off defenders and nod in second and dependable enough at the back, even if some distribution unnecessarily risky.
Not the most straightforward of afternoons up against Bowen's pace but some deliveries merited better reward and maintained his effort throughout.
Determination and then awareness manufactured the opener but was fortunate with one poor pass in a dangerous defensive position. Better than last week, though. Subbed.
Alternated with Szoboszlai in the number 10 position and magnificent volleyed strike for the third. Eventually mastered the midfield contest after the interval.
Didn't avoid the physical battle up against Diouf but more potential than final product for the most part. Corner delivery sparked the third.
Regularly threatening corner deliveries resulted in the second goal and abundant energy in midfield first half but quieter thereafter.
Considerable endeavour and offered balance down the left, though finest work before half-time was assisting defensively. Squandered a superb opportunity but made amends with deflected strike later on. Finished the match up front and excellent pass freed Frimpong for the fifth.
Converted the opener well with an early strike and sharp to hook the ball back into the danger zone for the third. Could have retained possession better at times but set up Gakpo for the fourth. Subbed.
Substitutes
Rio Ngumoha (for Ekitike 77) - 7
Required time to get a touch but one impressive run concluded with a save by Hermansen.
Jeremie Frimpong (for Gomez 77) - 8
Speed immediately troubled West Ham and delivery helped force the fifth goal. Also should have had an assist for Trey Nyoni. A great impact.
Trey Nyoni (for Gravenberch 86) - N/A
Should have netted his maiden career goal after being set up by Frimpong.