LIVERPOOL BEAT WEST HAM 5-2, MOVE TO FIFTH ON EPL TABLE

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Liverpool climbed to fifth in the Premier League table after a thrilling 5‑2 victory over West Ham at Anfield.

Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister put Arne Slot’s side in a commanding position by halftime, only for Tomas Soucek to pull one back shortly after the break.

Cody Gakpo added a fourth for the Reds before Taty Castellanos gave West Ham a glimmer of hope.

However, an own goal from Axel Disasi with less than 10 minutes remaining sealed the result, denying the visitors a late comeback.

The win sees Liverpool level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United, while West Ham remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety.

All But Over by Half-Time

Liverpool opened the scoring inside five minutes when West Ham could only half-clear a corner. Ryan Gravenberch played in Ekitike, who took a touch before slotting the ball past Mads Hermansen at the near post.

West Ham threatened to equalize when Konstantinos Mavropanos fired over, but Liverpool doubled their lead from another corner. Gakpo’s delivery found Van Dijk, and the captain rose highest to head into the far corner.

The Hammers showed signs of life, with Soucek forcing an important save from Alisson after a pass from Jarrod Bowen. But Liverpool extended their advantage before halftime as Ekitike set up Mac Allister, who rifled home to give the Reds a comfortable lead.

Hammers Show Some Fight

West Ham began the second half strongly. Soucek reduced the deficit in the 49th minute following El Hadji Malick Diouf’s cross into the box.

Gakpo wasted a chance to restore Liverpool’s three-goal cushion but eventually found the net 20 minutes from time with a shot that deflected off Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Castellanos made it 4‑2 moments later, taking advantage of a loose ball in the box to score from close range.

Liverpool put the result beyond doubt when Jeremie Frimpong’s effort took a slight deflection off Disasi, looping over Hermansen into the net.

In the closing minutes, Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni came close to adding a sixth as Liverpool held on to secure all three points.