Liverpool takes massive lead after victory over West Ham

Liverpool took a significant step towards securing their 20th English top-flight title with an emphatic 5-0 victory over West Ham, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points. The dominant performance in east London saw five different players get on the scoresheet: Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota, each contributing to the Reds' comprehensive win. With this result, Liverpool ended the year firmly in control of the title race and are now the clear favorites to claim a second Premier League title in 35 years. The victory left them with an impressive cushion at the summit, with Nottingham Forest surprisingly emerging as their closest competitors in second place. However, Arsenal and Chelsea, both title contenders, have the opportunity to close the gap in the coming days when they play their matches later in the week.

Liverpool’s commanding performance has reinforced their credentials as serious title contenders, but the chasing pack will be keen to make up ground as the season progresses. For Liverpool, this dominant victory serves as a statement of intent, showing that they are ready to end their long wait for a league title. As the season moves into its second half, Jurgen Klopp’s side will be determined to maintain their momentum and hold onto their position at the top, knowing that a first Premier League title since 1990 is within their reach.

Arne Slot has consistently downplayed any talk of titles, emphasizing that Liverpool still has a long way to go, with the team one game shy of the halfway mark in the Premier League. However, the Dutchman’s reign following Jurgen Klopp’s departure continues to look seamless, with Liverpool securing a 23rd win in 27 matches across all competitions. In their latest outing, a dominant 5-0 win over West Ham at the London Stadium, Luis Diaz, who had been rested for the 3-1 Boxing Day win over Leicester, opened the scoring on 30 minutes. Diaz’s intended pass to Curtis Jones deflected off a West Ham defender and fell back into his path, allowing him to calmly slot the ball into the corner of the net.

West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus came close to equalizing shortly after, but his effort bounced off the post. The defeat leaves West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui under renewed pressure. Despite a four-match unbeaten run, the heavy home loss adds to the mounting frustration for the Hammers. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s impeccable form under Slot has them firmly in the title race, and they continue to show they are serious contenders for the Premier League crown.

"I enjoyed it a lot because it doesn't happen many times that I could just sit back and enjoy," said Arne Slot.

Two quick-fire goals just before half-time sealed West Ham's fate and ended the contest. Mohamed Salah’s brilliant turn set up Cody Gakpo, who calmly rolled in his ninth goal in 14 games. The Egyptian forward then found the net himself, curling a shot at Alphonse Areola’s near post. Although the West Ham goalkeeper could have done better, Salah’s strike took him to the 20-goal mark for the eighth consecutive season since joining Liverpool in 2017.

Despite ongoing speculation regarding the futures of key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s remarkable form under Arne Slot remains unaffected. All three stars are eligible to negotiate a free transfer to foreign clubs next season, but for now, they remain fully focused on achieving success together. The uncertainty surrounding their futures has not disrupted their collective goal of winning a second Premier League title. As the season progresses, Liverpool’s core group of players continues to drive the team’s push for the title. With Slot's leadership and the contributions of his key players, including Salah, Gakpo, and Van Dijk, the Reds are well-positioned to challenge for the top honours and maintain their momentum in what is shaping up to be a thrilling title race.

"The only thing in my mind is that I want Liverpool to win the league and I want to be part of it," said Salah.