Liverpool F.C. climbed into the Premier League’s top five after a 5-2 victory against struggling West Ham United F.C. at Anfield on Saturday.
Three first-half goals — all from set-pieces — by Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister put Arne Slot’s side on course for a fourth straight win in all competitions.
Dutch pair Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong added further goals after the break. However, despite the emphatic scoreline, it was another less-than-convincing display from the reigning English champions.
West Ham’s defeat leaves the Hammers two points adrift of safety, dealing a fresh setback to their survival hopes. They responded in the second half through Tomas Soucek and Valentin Castellanos and could have scored more.
A top-five finish is expected to secure Champions League qualification next season due to the strong performance of English clubs in European competitions.
Brentford F.C. Edge Burnley F.C. in Seven-Goal Thriller
Burnley’s slim survival hopes suffered another blow as they fell to a dramatic 4-3 home defeat against Brentford at Turf Moor.
The visitors raced into a 3-0 lead inside 34 minutes through Mikkel Damsgaard, Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade, moving to within two points of Chelsea.
An own goal from Michael Kayode gave the Clarets hope before half-time. Jaidon Anthony and Zian Flemming then levelled the contest.
Flemming appeared to have completed a remarkable turnaround, but a VAR review ruled his effort out for offside. Instead, Brentford snatched victory in stoppage time when Damsgaard struck his second of the match.
There was still time for further controversy as a late equaliser from Ashley Barnes was disallowed for handball following another VAR review.
Everton F.C. Boost European Hopes With Win at Newcastle United F.C.
Everton F.C. maintained their push for European qualification with an impressive 3-2 away victory over Newcastle United F.C. at St James’ Park.
The Toffees led three times through Jarrod Branthwaite, Beto and Thierno Barry.
Newcastle slipped to 12th in the table, with their season now hinging on a Champions League tie against FC Barcelona and an FA Cup fifth-round clash with Manchester City F.C. next weekend.
Everton have found life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium challenging, but only Arsenal F.C. have accumulated more points away from home this season as David Moyes’s side climbed to eighth.
AFC Bournemouth Extend Unbeaten Run
AFC Bournemouth stretched their unbeaten league run to eight matches after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at home against Sunderland A.F.C..
Evanilson cancelled out an opener from Eliezer Mayenda for the visitors in the lunchtime kick-off.