Liverpool took control early, capitalising on set-piece opportunities to establish a first-half lead. Goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister put the hosts firmly in command before the interval
Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong extended the advantage after the break to seal a fourth straight win in all competitions for Arne Slot’s side. Despite the convincing scoreline, Liverpool were tested at times by a resilient West Ham team.
Tomas Soucek and Valentin Castellanos scored for the visitors in the second half, reducing the deficit and creating further chances. However, the defeat leaves West Ham two points from safety as they continue their battle against relegation.
The result moves Liverpool three points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, who face Arsenal in a key fixture on Sunday. A top-five finish is widely expected to guarantee Champions League qualification next season, given the strong European performances of English clubs this term.
Manchester City remain five points behind leaders Arsenal but hold a game in hand. Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Leeds United without Haaland, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Leeds have lost only twice in their last 16 matches across all competitions, presenting a significant challenge for the defending champions.
Elsewhere, Brentford secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor. The visitors raced into a three-goal lead through Mikkel Damsgaard, Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade before Burnley mounted a comeback.
Burnley responded with goals from Michael Kayode, Jaidon Anthony and Zian Flemming, drawing level after the restart. A potential winner for Flemming was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Damsgaard struck again in stoppage time to restore Brentford’s lead, and another late intervention denied Burnley an equaliser when Ashley Barnes was adjudged to have handled the ball before scoring. The result further dents Burnley’s survival hopes.
Everton continued their strong away form with a 3-2 win at Newcastle United. Jarrod Branthwaite, Beto and Thierno Barry were on target as David Moyes’s side climbed to eighth in the table.
Newcastle slipped to 12th, with their focus turning to upcoming European and domestic cup commitments. Bournemouth also extended their unbeaten league run to eight matches after drawing 1-1 at home against Sunderland, with Evanilson cancelling out Eliezer Mayenda’s opener.
