A ruthless first-half display powered Liverpool to a commanding 5–2 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League, lifting the Reds level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United. The hosts raced into a 3–0 lead before the break courtesy of goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister, with all three strikes coming from set-pieces. Ekitike opened the scoring in the fifth minute after being teed up by Ryan Gravenberch, finishing smartly at the near post for his 16th goal of the season. Despite threatening spells from West Ham, Liverpool doubled their advantage when Van Dijk rose highest to head home a corner delivered by Dominik Szoboszlai. West Ham missed opportunities to respond, with Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek all failing to capitalise on chances. Just before half-time, Mac Allister sealed a dominant first-half showing with a superb volley that took a deflection on its way into the net. The visitors responded early in the second half when Soucek pulled one back after connecting with a delivery from El Hadji Malick Diouf, briefly giving West Ham hope. However, Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal cushion in the 70th minute, his deflected effort leaving goalkeeper Mads Hermansen with no chance. West Ham reduced the deficit again through Taty Castellanos, but an own goal by Axel Disasi, who turned in a cross from Jeremie Frimpong, completed the scoring and ensured Liverpool registered five league goals in a match for the first time this season. Under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool have been particularly effective from set-pieces in 2026 and now lead the Premier League in goals scored from such situations, excluding penalties. The result lifts Liverpool above Chelsea into fifth place ahead of Chelsea’s clash with leaders Arsenal, while West Ham remain 18th in the table, two points behind Nottingham Forest as their relegation battle continues.
Liverpool beat West Ham 5-2 to draw Level with Manchester United
