After Liverpool secured a clinical victory over West Ham United, the ECHO takes a look at the Reds' next five fixtures compared to their Champions League rivals
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates with Hugo Ekitike after scoring for Liverpool against West Ham United
It was an efficient display from Arne Slot's side for Liverpool (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool and Arne Slot can now look ahead to their next few Premier League matches after securing a hard-fought victory over West Ham United.
The Reds were pushed hard by the Hammers, but their superior finishing was enough to secure a 5-2 victory at Anfield. Hugo Ekitike gave Liverpool the lead after five minutes before Virgil van Dijk doubled the advantage 19 minutes later.
When Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool three ahead on the stroke of half time, many began to feel a rout was on the horizon. However, the Hammers rallied back through Tomas Soucek's goal straight after the break.
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Cody Gakpo then restored the three-goal advantage, only for the Reds to be pegged back again by Taty Castellanos finding the net.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side refused to give up and kept on hammering at the Liverpool door, forcing Alisson into some strong saves. But as the east Londoners continued to turn up the pressure, Liverpool attacked again and forced Axel Disasi into scoring an unfortunate own goal.
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The victory ensured Liverpool jumped into fifth position, a place which may be enough to secure a place in next season's Champions League. Their positioning in the top five will, however, be contingent on Chelsea's away clash against Arsenal tomorrow.
Liam Rosenior's side face the Premier League leaders at the Emirates Stadium. As a result of the Blues' superior goal difference, an away victory would be enough for Chelsea to jump back into fifth position.
Liverpool players celebrate after scoring a goal against West Ham United
The Reds were clinical in front of goal against West Ham(Image: AP Photo/Jon Super)
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However, if United lose by at least two goals to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford tomorrow afternoon, Liverpool would over take them, as Michael Carrick's side's goal difference is only one goal better than the Reds.
After the win over West Ham, the ECHO takes a look at Liverpool's next five Premier League matches, in comparison with Champions League rivals Aston Villa, United and Chelsea.
Aston Villa - 3rd (51 pts)
Chelsea (H) - Wed 4 March (7.30pm)
Manchester United (A) - Sun 15 March (2pm)
West Ham (H) - Sun 22 March (2.15pm)
Nottingham Forest (A) - Sat 11 April (TBD)
Sunderland (H) - Sat 18 April (TBD)
Manchester United - 4th (48 pts)
Crystal Palace (H) - Sun 28 February (2pm)
Newcastle United (A) - Wed 4 March (8.15pm)
Aston Villa (H) - Sun 15 March (2pm)
Bournemouth (A) - Fri 20 March (8pm)
Leeds United (H) - Sat 11 April (TBD)
Liverpool - 5th (48 pts)
Wolves (A) - Tue 3 March (8.15pm)
Tottenham (H) - Sun 15 March (4.30pm)
Brighton and Hove Albion (A) - Sat 21 March (12.30pm)
Fulham (H) - Sat 12 April (TBD)
Everton (A) - Sat 18 April (TBD)
Chelsea - 6th (45 pts)
Arsenal (A) - Sun 28 February (4.30pm)
Aston Villa (A) - Wed 4 March (7.30pm)
Newcastle United (H) - Sat 14 March (5.30pm)
Everton (A) - Sat 21 March (5.30pm)
Manchester City (H) - Sat 11 April (TBD)
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