Liverpool ended 2024 in the best possible fashion by going eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 5-0 thrashing of a sorry West Ham side at the London Stadium on Sunday night.
The Reds led by three goals by half-time through strikes from Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah. Trent Alexander-Arnold made the scoreline even more emphatic in east London in the 54th minute before substitute Diogo Jota added a fifth in the final stages.
The rout means the Merseyside outfit have again widened their advantage over their main title rivals. Arsenal are nine points behind but play Brentford on New Year’s Day while Chelsea are 10 behind and take on Ipswich tomorrow (Monday).
Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool players after another stylish victory for the Reds…
Alisson – 6
Hardly required to make a save, only needing to make some catches. Was twice thankful to the woodwork, first when Mohammed Kudus’ long-range effort hit the post in the first 45 and at the death when Luis Guilherme’s shot deflected off the outside of his right post. His first Premier League clean sheet since October 5.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
Typically productive on the ball and dependable defensively too. Got forward freely and found the net in the second half with a long-range effort courtesy of a Max Kilman deflection. Should’ve had an assist too after a perfect curling cross into Salah which his team-mate thrashed over.
Joe Gomez – 7
Was playing well before being forced off on 36 minutes with a muscle injury which Liverpool will desperately hope is not too serious.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Rarely required to play at his peak level and won his duels to help the Reds cruise to victory. Tested the keeper late on after finding himself with the ball on the edge of the box, cutting inside Konstantinos Mavropanos before firing his shot too centrally.
Andy Robertson – 7
Overcame an early error, when a loose pass invited West Ham to attack, to attack freely and link up well with Gakpo. Much improved after some poor recent performances. Subbed.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
Steady if unspectacular from the Dutchman who helped Liverpool dominate on and off the ball. Brought off before the hour mark to avoid him getting booked and incurring a one-game suspension.
Alexis Mac Allister – 9
A terrific performance. Great pass over the top led to Gakpo’s goal and the Argentine later won the ball back from Carlos Soler shortly before Salah made it three. Also provided a sublime pass through to Salah for an early second-half chance. Involved in a concerning clash of heads late on but got back to his feet to see out the 90.
Mohamed Salah – 9
The best player in the world right now and could’ve had countless goals and assists. A brilliant dribble, with two nutmegs, set up Gakpo’s goal and he applied a brilliant finish to make it 3-0 before half-time. Won the ball back and burst forward before feeding Jota for the fifth. Only denied a 10 by the fact he didn’t make more of his own second-half scoring chances.
Curtis Jones – 8
Excellent again. Fired straight at Alphonse Areola when fed by Salah but got the assist for the Egyptian’s goal with a nice pass across the box. Very tidy in possession and key to ensuring Liverpool did not drop off despite a comfortable lead. Subbed.
Cody Gakpo – 8
Really found form right now. A sublime pass through to Salah set up an early chance but Gakpo then wasted a good headed opportunity, missing the ball altogether. Tapped in to make it 2-0 for his second goal in as many games. Taken off early to avoid picking up a fifth yellow card and a one-match suspension.
Luis Diaz – 8
Lively again in the false nine role. Denied by Areola after a fierce shot but then fired in the opener when the ball fell kindly for him having tried to slot through Jones. Continued to torment the Hammers’ backline throughout the rest of the match.
Substitutes
Jarell Quansah – 6
Played almost an hour after replacing Gomez and well deserving of the clean sheet.
Wataru Endo – 6
Ensured the visitors continued to control the match in the final half an hour. Battled well.
Diogo Jota – 7
Given his lengthiest outing since his return from injury. After being denied at close range by Areola, curled into the top corner after Salah’s pass to make it 5-0.
Harvey Elliott – 6
Didn’t see too much action but got some good minutes into his legs.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6
Good clearance with his first act and helped protect the clean sheet.
