Liverpool Extend Lead with a 5-0 Demolition of West Ham

Liverpool continued their dominant Premier League campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the table to eight points.

The match showcased Liverpool’s relentless attacking form, starting with Luis Diaz breaking the deadlock after 30 minutes. Diaz capitalized on a fortunate rebound off Vladimir Coufal to fire a powerful shot past Alphonse Areola. Liverpool’s control only grew from there, with Cody Gakpo netting a second after brilliant footwork from Mohamed Salah set him up in the 40th minute. Salah then added his 20th goal of the season with a precise low drive on the stroke of halftime, leaving West Ham stunned.

The second half brought no relief for the home side as Trent Alexander-Arnold added a fourth goal. His long-range strike took a deflection off Max Kilman, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. Salah capped his excellent performance with a mesmerizing solo run from deep in his own half, setting up substitute Diogo Jota for the final goal of the evening.

West Ham had few moments of promise, with Mohammed Kudus hitting the post twice. However, these isolated chances did little to mask the Hammers’ struggles. Jarrod Bowen, one of their most dependable players, exited the match with an injury, adding to their woes.

Liverpool’s complete dominance reflected their imperious form under manager Arne Slot, who has transformed the team into an unstoppable force. Their tactical precision and offensive versatility make them the clear favorites for the Premier League title, even with Arsenal and Chelsea still in pursuit.

For West Ham, this defeat was a sobering reality check. After a four-match unbeaten league run, Lopetegui’s side looked out of their depth against the league leaders. Despite spending over £120m in the summer on reinforcements like Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug, the team lacks cohesion and consistency. With this loss, they remain 13th in the table, nine points clear of the relegation zone but far from their ambitions.

Liverpool’s win, meanwhile, sent a strong message to their rivals. With their current momentum and depth of quality, Slot’s side looks set to reclaim the Premier League crown they last won in 2020.