EPL: Liverpool extend lead with 5-0 win over West Ham

Liverpool showcased their dominance in a resounding 5-0 victory over West Ham, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points.

Goals from Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota sealed the victory in east London, positioning the Reds as strong contenders for a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.

The Reds ended the year in commanding fashion, setting themselves apart as favorites to secure only their second league title in 35 years.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest sit surprisingly in second place, while Arsenal and Chelsea look to close the gap when they play later this week.

Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, has downplayed title talk, emphasizing that nothing is won yet with the season not yet halfway through.

Nevertheless, his impressive leadership, succeeding Jurgen Klopp, has led to 23 wins in 27 matches across all competitions this season.

Slot’s tactical decisions shone once again as Luis Diaz returned to the starting lineup after being rested during the 3-1 Boxing Day win over Leicester.

Diaz broke the deadlock in the 30th minute at the London Stadium, capitalizing on a fortunate rebound to slot the ball into the corner.

Liverpool’s relentless form leaves them poised for a historic campaign, with contributions from all corners of their squad.

While their closest rivals still have opportunities to narrow the gap, the Reds’ performance under Slot has cemented their reputation as the team to beat this season.

As the Premier League edges closer to its halfway point, Liverpool fans can dare to dream of a triumphant conclusion to this remarkable season.

Mohammed Kudus was inches away from an equaliser when his effort came back off the post.

But another heavy home defeat puts Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui back under pressure after a four-game unbeaten run.

Two goals in four minutes just before half-time killed the game as a contest.

Salah’s delightful turn helped tee up Gakpo to roll in his ninth goal in 14 games.

The Egyptian then curled in at Alphonse Areola’s near post, with some help from the West Ham goalkeeper, to hit the 20-goal mark for the eighth consecutive season since joining Liverpool in 2017.

Speculation over Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s futures has not derailed Liverpool’s flying start under Slot.

All three could discuss a move to a foreign club on a free transfer next season within days, but remain focused for the moment on winning a second Premier League title together.

Rumours over Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid have resurfaced again in the Spanish media over the past week and the England international showed why he is a man in demand with a thunderous strike that deflected in off Max Kilman.

Jota’s appearance as a substitute was further evidence of the extra firepower Liverpool enjoy over their title rivals.

The Portuguese set the seal on a dominant win with the finish for the fifth goal, but had another sumptuous Salah assist to thank for it.

Salah jinked his way beyond three West Ham defenders before laying the ball to Jota for his 13th Premier League assist of the season to go with 17 goals in 18 games.