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Introduction
Liverpool showcased their dominance in the Premier League with an emphatic 5-0 victory against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday evening. A perfect blend of creativity, precision, and teamwork propelled the Reds to an eight-point lead at the top of the league table as they closed out 2024 in style.
Team News: Changes on Both Sides
Liverpool made a single change to their starting XI, bringing in Luis Diaz for Darwin Nunez. Meanwhile, West Ham were forced into several adjustments due to injuries and suspensions.
Liverpool Starting XI:
- Alisson, Gomez (Quansah 37’), Van Dijk, Diaz, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones (Elliott 74’), Gakpo (Jota 58’), Robertson (Tsimikas 73’), Gravenberch (Endo 57’), Alexander-Arnold.
Unused substitutes included Kelleher, Nunez, McConnell, and Danns.
West Ham, grappling with absentees like Michail Antonio and Tomas Soucek, relied on players like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus to inspire their attack.
First Half: Liverpool’s Early Domination
The match began with West Ham trying to impose themselves. Jarrod Bowen created the first chance, finding Lucas Paqueta in the box, but the midfielder could only direct his effort wide.
This initial spark from the hosts awakened Liverpool, who responded with a flurry of opportunities. Mohamed Salah tested Alphonse Areola with a powerful close-range shot, followed by Virgil van Dijk heading wide from a corner. Salah and Curtis Jones combined brilliantly, but Areola once again denied the Reds.
Diaz Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Luis Diaz capitalized on a rebound, striking low past Areola to give Liverpool a deserved lead. The forward’s persistence paid off as he finished with precision after his initial pass was blocked.
Gakpo and Salah Extend the Lead
West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus almost equalized with a long-range effort that struck the post. However, Liverpool quickly punished the miss. Salah’s sublime touch found Cody Gakpo in the box, and the Dutchman swept the ball home to make it 2-0.
Just before the break, Salah added a third, finishing off a slick team move with a composed strike into the bottom corner. By halftime, the Reds were in firm control with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Second Half: Relentless Liverpool
The second half continued in the same vein, with Liverpool dictating the pace and searching for more goals. Salah came close twice early on, while Kudus remained West Ham’s biggest threat, though his efforts failed to hit the target.
Alexander-Arnold Adds to the Tally
In the 54th minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered Liverpool’s fourth goal. The full-back’s long-range strike took a deflection, leaving Areola helpless as the ball nestled into the net.
With the game firmly in their grasp, Liverpool made substitutions to manage their squad. Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo were replaced by Wataru Endo and Diogo Jota, respectively. Despite the changes, the Reds continued to dominate, with Salah orchestrating attacks and Andy Robertson narrowly missing from outside the box.
Jota Seals the Victory
In the final stages, Jota put the finishing touch on a brilliant Liverpool performance. Salah’s stunning run and pinpoint pass set up the No.20, who curled a shot into the far corner to complete the 5-0 rout.
West Ham’s Struggles and Liverpool’s Superiority
West Ham’s standout player, Kudus, came closest to scoring for the hosts, hitting the bar with a header. However, his effort was flagged offside, summing up a frustrating evening for the Hammers.
On the other hand, Liverpool’s fluid attacking play and defensive solidity highlighted their superiority. Salah was at the heart of every attacking move, while the backline, led by Virgil van Dijk, ensured a clean sheet for Alisson.
Standout Performances
- Mohamed Salah: A constant menace for West Ham, Salah recorded a goal and two assists, showcasing his brilliance in both finishing and playmaking.
- Luis Diaz: Marking his return to the starting lineup, Diaz opened the scoring and set the tone for Liverpool’s dominant display.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: His goal and overall influence from right-back underlined his importance to the team.
Liverpool March On
This victory further cemented Liverpool’s position at the top of the Premier League table. With an eight-point lead and momentum firmly on their side, Arne Slot’s men have sent a strong message to their rivals heading into 2025.
As Liverpool prepares for their next challenge against Manchester United, fans will be hopeful of maintaining this scintillating form. Meanwhile, West Ham must regroup and address their shortcomings as they look to bounce back in the coming fixture.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s 5-0 win over West Ham was not just a display of clinical finishing but also a testament to their tactical discipline and depth of quality. Arne Slot’s influence has transformed the Reds into a well-oiled machine, capable of dismantling any opposition.
With standout performances from the likes of Salah, Diaz, and Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool proved once again why they are the team to beat in the Premier League this season.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com