Liverpool delivered a commanding 5-2 victory over West Ham in the Premier League, showcasing the tactical authority of manager Arne Slot and moving level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United.
Anfield once again proved a fortress, with the Reds’ blend of precision, power, and set-piece mastery dictating the contest from the start.
By halftime, Liverpool had already built an unassailable 3-0 lead, thanks to Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister.
West Ham showed resilience after the break, but Liverpool’s clinical finishing ensured the three points never looked in doubt.
All three first-half goals stemmed from set pieces, highlighting Liverpool’s reputation as the Premier League’s most effective team from dead-ball situations in 2026, excluding penalties.
Ryan Gravenberch’s early feed found Ekitike, who slotted home neatly for his 16th goal of the season, sending a clear warning to the visitors.
The second goal, coming against the run of play, saw Van Dijk rise highest from Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner, asserting his dominance in both boxes.
Just before the interval, Mac Allister produced a stunning volley that took a deflection and flew past Mads Hermansen, prompting sections of the away fans to leave early as Liverpool’s control became undeniable.
West Ham responded after the break, with Tomas Soucek converting El Hadji Malick Diouf’s delivery to give his side a lifeline.
Liverpool momentarily wavered, with chances squandered by Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jarrod Bowen, and Soucek, making the game briefly competitive.
Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal cushion in the 70th minute, cutting inside and seeing a deflected strike beat Hermansen.
West Ham’s Taty Castellanos pulled one back, but the Reds immediately struck again when Jeremie Frimpong’s cross was turned into his own net by Axel Disasi, sealing the emphatic win and Liverpool’s first five-goal haul of the league season.
Premier League Implications
The victory propels Liverpool above Chelsea into fifth place, while West Ham remain in the relegation zone, two points behind Nottingham Forest.
Slot’s influence continues to be clear: disciplined, set-piece savvy, and brimming with attacking depth. Ekitike’s movement, Mac Allister’s technique, and Van Dijk’s leadership give Liverpool a balanced and formidable side.
Liverpool now turn their attention to Wolves on Tuesday, while West Ham face Fulham on Wednesday.
With the title race tightening, this dominant display at Anfield could prove pivotal for Liverpool’s push toward the Champions League places.
