Five-Star Liverpool Pull Eight Points Clear With West Ham Rout

Liverpool moved a step nearer to a record-equalling twentieth English top-flight title as a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham opened up an eight-point lead on the high of the Premier League. Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota had been on the right track for the rampant Reds in east London as they ended the yr as large favourites to ship only a second league title in 35 years. Nottingham Forest are the shock closest challengers in second, however Arsenal and Chelsea can shut the hole when they’re in motion later within the week.

Arne Slot has repeatedly burdened nothing will be received but with Liverpool nonetheless one sport shy of the midway mark within the Premier League.

But the Dutchman’s succession of Jurgen Klopp continues to look flawless after a twenty third win in 27 matches in all competitions.

“I loved it so much as a result of it does not occur many occasions that I may simply sit again and luxuriate in,” stated Slot.

Diaz had been rested for the 3-1 win over Leicester on Boxing Day and it was the Colombian who opened the floodgates on half-hour on the London Stadium.

His supposed go into Curtis Jones rebounded again into his path off a West Ham defender and he dispatched his shot low into the nook.

Mohammed Kudus was inches away from an equaliser when his effort got here again off the submit.

But one other heavy dwelling defeat places Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui again below stress after a four-game unbeaten run.

“We are speaking about the perfect crew within the Premier League and all over the world, however at dwelling and in entrance of our followers, I’m very sorry about this,” stated Lopetegui.

Two objectives in 4 minutes simply earlier than half-time killed the sport as a contest.

Salah’s pleasant flip helped tee up Gakpo to roll in his ninth aim in 14 video games.

The Egyptian then curled in at Alphonse Areola’s close to submit, with some assist from the West Ham goalkeeper, to hit the 20-goal mark for the eighth consecutive season since becoming a member of Liverpool in 2017.

Speculation over Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s futures has not derailed Liverpool’s flying begin below Slot.

All three may talk about a transfer to a overseas membership on a free switch subsequent season inside days, however stay targeted for the second on successful a second Premier League title collectively.

“The solely factor in my thoughts is that I need Liverpool to win the league and I need to be a part of it,” stated Salah.

“That is the one factor I’ve targeted on. I’ll do my greatest to win the trophy. We are in the correct course however there are different groups attempting to meet up with us. We simply want to remain humble and go once more.”

Rumours over Alexander-Arnold’s potential transfer to Real Madrid have resurfaced once more within the Spanish media over the previous week and the England worldwide confirmed why he’s a person in demand with a thunderous strike that deflected in off Max Kilman.

Jota’s look in its place was additional proof of the additional firepower Liverpool take pleasure in over their title rivals.

The Portuguese set the seal on a dominant win with the end for the fifth aim, however had one other luxurious Salah help to thank for it.

Salah jinked his manner past three West Ham defenders earlier than laying the ball to Jota for his thirteenth Premier League help of the season to go along with 17 objectives in 18 video games.

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