Liverpool took a significant step toward securing a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title with a commanding 5-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium.
Goals from Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota sealed an emphatic win, leaving the Reds eight points clear at the Premier League summit as the year comes to a close.
Despite Nottingham Forest’s surprising rise to second place, Arsenal and Chelsea have opportunities to reduce the gap later this week. However, Liverpool remain firm favourites to secure what would be just their second league title in 35 years.
Manager Arne Slot has consistently downplayed title talk, stressing that there is still much of the season left. Nonetheless, the Dutchman’s impressive succession of Jürgen Klopp has seen Liverpool notch up 23 wins in 27 matches across all competitions.
Slot reintroduced Luis Díaz into the starting lineup after resting him in the 3-1 Boxing Day win over Leicester, and the Colombian winger wasted no time making an impact. On 30 minutes, Díaz pounced on a fortunate rebound and slotted home the opener to spark Liverpool’s dominance.
Mohammed Kudus came close to equalising for the Hammers, hitting the post, but West Ham’s defensive frailties soon left manager Julen Lopetegui under renewed pressure. Two goals in quick succession before half-time effectively ended the contest.
Salah showcased his class with a skilful turn to set up Cody Gakpo for Liverpool’s second, and the Egyptian added a third with a curling strike that Alphonse Areola could only help into his own net.
The match also highlighted the growing speculation around Liverpool’s key players. Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk, all nearing the end of their contracts, remain linked to moves abroad. Yet their focus appears unwavering as Liverpool push for a second Premier League crown under Slot’s stewardship.
Alexander-Arnold, reportedly a target for Real Madrid, reminded everyone of his quality with a thunderous fourth goal, aided by a deflection off Max Kilman.
Substitute Diogo Jota added the final flourish, finishing a brilliant team move orchestrated by Salah, who weaved past three defenders before delivering his 13th Premier League assist of the season.
With 17 goals and 13 assists in just 18 games, Salah remains the creative and scoring heartbeat of a Liverpool side that looks well-placed to reclaim domestic glory.