Liverpool 5-0 thumping of West Ham gave them an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League, bringing them one step closer to a record-tying 20th English top-flight championship. The Reds finished the season as overwhelming favorites to win just their second league title in 35 years, with goals from Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota. The unexpectedly close second-place contenders are Nottingham Forest, but when they play later this week, Arsenal and Chelsea have a chance to catch up.
Since Liverpool is still one game short of the Premier League midway point, Arne Slot has emphasized time and again that nothing can be won just yet.
However, following a 23rd victory in 27 games in all competitions, the Dutchman’s successor to Jurgen Klopp still appears to be perfect.
“I enjoyed it a lot because it doesn’t happen many times that I could just sit back and enjoy,” Slot remarked.
In the 30 minutes at the London Stadium, Diaz, who had been rested for the Boxing Day victory against Leicester 3-1, opened the floodgates.
After a West Ham defender deflected his intended ball into Curtis Jones, he fired his shot low into the corner.
Mohammed Kudus’ attempt to equalize was only inches from missing the post.
However, following a four-game winning streak, Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui is once again under siege following another crushing home loss.
“We are talking about the best team in the Premier League and around the world, but at home and in front of our fans, I am very sorry about this,” stated Lopetegui.
Just before halftime, two goals in four minutes ended the match as a contest.
Gakpo scored his eighth goal in 14 games thanks to a wonderful play from Salah.
With a little assistance from the West Ham goalie, the Egyptian then curled in at Alphonse Areola’s near post to reach the 20-goal milestone for the eighth straight season since joining Liverpool in 2017.
Under Slot, Liverpool has begun the season strongly despite the speculation surrounding the futures of Virgil van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold.
Within days, all three might talk about joining a foreign team on a free transfer for the upcoming campaign, but for now, they are all focused on winning a second Premier League championship together.
“I have solely concentrated on it. I’ll do my hardest to take home the award. All we have to do is remain modest and continue.
Over the last week, the Spanish media has renewed rumors about Alexander-Arnold’s possible transfer to Real Madrid. The England international demonstrated why he is a sought-after player with a powerful strike that bounced off Max Kilman.
Jota’s substitution appearance served as more proof of Liverpool’s superior firepower over their championship rivals.
The Portuguese’s fifth-goal finish sealed a resounding victory, thanks to another wonderful assist from Salah.
Before sending the pass to Jota for his 13th Premier League assist of the season—and his 17th goal in 18 games—Salah ducked by three West Ham players.
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