- five-star performance sends Reds eight points clear
Liverpool delivered a sensational 0-5 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday, ending 2024 with a bang and moving eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds were in imperious form, with Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all impressing.
Let’s break down the key moments, standout performances, and what this result means for both teams moving forward.
A Dominant First Half: Liverpool’s Firepower on Display
From the very first whistle, it was clear that Liverpool were in the mood to dominate. Despite a few early West Ham defensive efforts, the Reds swiftly took control of the game.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring in the 30th minute after some crafty footwork, followed by Cody Gakpo’s goal shortly before halftime. But it was Salah who stole the show.
With a brilliant pass to set up Gakpo, and then a cool finish of his own, the Egyptian king made it 0-3 before the break.
The first half was a masterclass in attacking football, as Liverpool sliced through West Ham’s defense with ease. Even though it took them 30 minutes to break the deadlock, the floodgates opened once they did.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Magical Moment
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been at the center of transfer rumors recently, sent a clear message with his performance.
After some buildup play, he unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box that took a deflection on its way to goal, making it 4-0. His celebration – a cheeky gesture to his critics – was a clear sign that the 26-year-old is focused on the present, not the speculation surrounding his future.
Not only did Alexander-Arnold score his first goal of the season, but he also played a key role in setting up Liverpool’s opening goal. His continued performances have shown that his ability to influence the game is as strong as ever.
Mohamed Salah: A Player on Another Level
It’s safe to say that Mohamed Salah is operating at the peak of his powers. Scoring his 20th goal of the season, Salah has now reached this remarkable tally in each of his last eight seasons at Liverpool, a feat that even the legendary Ian Rush couldn’t achieve.
His intelligent playmaking and clinical finishing are unmatched, and Sunday’s performance was yet another reminder of why he’s one of the world’s best.
Despite being closely marked by two full-backs for much of the game, Salah found ways to carve open West Ham’s defense, showcasing his incredible football IQ. His assist for Diogo Jota’s late goal capped off a memorable afternoon for the winger.
West Ham’s Struggles: A Performance to Forget
While Liverpool were in full flow, West Ham struggled to create any meaningful chances. Julen Lopetegui’s side looked disjointed and unable to contain the attacking threats of Salah, Gakpo, and Diaz.
Mohammed Kudus, however, stood out as a rare bright spot for West Ham. The Ghanaian forward showed flashes of brilliance, including hitting the post in the first half, but was ultimately isolated in attack. Kudus remains the Hammers’ most dangerous player, but he cannot carry the team alone.
West Ham’s defensive woes were evident, with the backline frequently caught out of position, allowing Liverpool to exploit the space with ease. The absence of any real attacking threat meant that the game was effectively decided by halftime.
Key Takeaways: What’s Next for Both Teams?
Liverpool’s dominant win has sent them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they look to extend their title challenge into the new year.
With players like Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Diaz firing on all cylinders, the Reds are a formidable force.
For West Ham, this heavy defeat is a wake-up call. They’ll need to regroup and address their defensive issues if they hope to improve in the second half of the season.
Kudus will likely remain the key player, but more support is needed for the team to avoid a relegation battle.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
With this commanding performance, Liverpool has shown that they are not just title contenders, but potential champions. Their next match will be crucial as they continue to push for Premier League glory in 2025.
What’s Next for West Ham?
For West Ham, it’s back to the drawing board. With crucial games ahead, they must improve defensively and find a way to support players like Kudus to turn their season around.
Liverpool’s 5-0 victory over West Ham was a comprehensive display of attacking brilliance and defensive solidity.
As they move into the new year, Jurgen Klopp’s side will be confident in their pursuit of the Premier League title, while West Ham will need a significant turnaround to avoid a challenging second half of the season.
What did you think of Liverpool’s stunning performance? Can they maintain their lead at the top? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
