With the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea watching on for any chance of a Liverpool slip up, it was not be the case for Arne Slot’s reds as they thumbed five past West Ham to extend their lead to eight points.
A bright start from Liverpool eventually led to the break through from Luis Díaz who took advantage from a fortunate ricochet in the 30th minute.
Minutes after West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus fired a shot off the inside of the post that gave hope to the West Ham faithful.
However Mohamed Salah starred again, wonderfully setting up Cody Gakpo for his second goal in a week. That wasn’t all for the Egyptian who got himself on the act just before half time catching Alphonse Areola at his near post for his 17th Premier League goal of the season.
The Reds showed no signs of putting their foot off the gas in the second half as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deflected effort made it four, amid many rumours circling his contract situation.
Substitute Diogo Jota wrapped up a fine performance late on with a perfectly placed finish, as Liverpool finish 2024 high flying at the top of the table.
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Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7
A first Premier League clean sheet since his return from injury and like the Leicester game, not too much for the Brazilian to do.
A great overall display from the scouser that was capped off with his first goal of the season , with him unfortunate not to add to his assist tally as well.
Joe Gomez - 6
A solid start to the game that was cut short to what seemed a hamstring injury after 35 minutes which will certainly rule him out for a lengthy time.
Virgil van Dijk - 7.5
Another strong display from the Liverpool captain, who eliminated the threat of Jarrod Bowen and then Niclas Füllkrug all to ensure another clean sheet.
Andrew Robertson - 7
Despite a rocky start, after his error led to a great opportunity for the Hammers, he recovered well especially dealing with the dangerous Mohamed Kudas and linked up well with Cody Gakpo down the left.
Ryan Gravenberch - 7.5
Another solid performance from the Dutchman, as he continued his brilliant season, getting his second assist for the season. With Liverpool cruising in the second half it allowed Slot to bring him off early to prevent the chance of him missing the Manchester United game with suspension, subject to if he’d received a yellow card.
Following on his impressive performance against Leicester City on Boxing Day, the Argentine was everywhere in the midfield today, influential in Liverpool’s second goal with his pass from deep and dominating most of his duels.
Curtis Jones - 8
A very mature performance from the other scouser in the team, who showed his defensive qualities winning the most tackles in the match (FotMob) as well being integral to the control Arne Slot’s side maintained throughout the game, as well as setting up Mohamed Salah’s goal.
Cody Gakpo - 7.5
On the score sheet again following on from Boxing Days brilliant strike, as the Dutchman is finding serious form in a crucial part in the season.
Luis Díaz - 7.5
After being rested on Boxing Day, the Colombian was electric from the off, leading the line for Liverpool and opened the scoring with a well taken finish to match his best Premier League tally of eight goals.
Mohamed Salah - 9
A quite brilliant display from the Egyptian King, who is unstoppable at the moment in the Premier League as he scored one and set up two, where on another day he could have had even more. He has now reached 30 goals and assists in 18 Premier League games and has shown no signs of slowing down one bit.
Substitutes
Jarell Quansah - 7
Came on for the unfortunately injured Joe Gomez and didn’t put a foot wrong, after having a difficult start to the season on a personal level. The clean sheet and result will surely boost his confidence as he’ll be needed in the busy January period.
Wataru Endo - 6.5
Got himself some more than deserved minutes and broke up the play numerous times to ensure Liverpool maintained their dominance.
Diogo Jota - 7.5
Was a handful for the West Ham defence and took his goal really well to give Arne Slot a Headache with all four attackers scoring.
Produced a vital block to help keep the clean sheet as he helped see out the victory.
Seen out the last 15 minutes in the midfield, just didn’t have enough time for him to make the impact he would’ve wanted.
