Liverpool has taken a significant step towards matching the record of 20th English top-flight titles following their victory against West Ham on Sunday night.
Naija News reports that the Reds thrashed the host 5-0 to establish an eight-point advantage at the top of the Premier League standings.
The prolific Reds showcased their attacking prowess in east London, with goals from Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota, positioning them as strong contenders for only their second league title in 35 years as they conclude the year.
Nottingham Forest has emerged as an unexpected contender in second place, while Arsenal and Chelsea have the opportunity to narrow the gap when they play later this week.
The Reds manager, Arne Slot, has consistently emphasized that celebrating is premature, as Liverpool is still one match away from the halfway point of the Premier League season.
However, the Dutch manager’s tenure following Jurgen Klopp appears seamless, boasting an impressive record of 23 wins in 27 matches across all competitions.
Slot welcomed back Diaz, who had been rested during the 3-1 victory over Leicester on Boxing Day, and it was the Colombian who broke the deadlock in the 30th minute at the London Stadium. Diaz’s intended pass to Curtis Jones deflected off a West Ham defender, allowing him to slot the ball low into the corner.
Mohammed Kudus came close to equalizing, hitting the post with his attempt.
This latest heavy defeat puts pressure back on Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, following a four-match unbeaten streak.
Two goals in a span of four minutes just before halftime effectively ended the contest, with Salah’s clever turn setting up Gakpo to net his ninth goal in 14 appearances.
The Egyptian player then curled the ball into Alphonse Areola’s near post, aided by the West Ham goalkeeper, achieving the milestone of 20 goals for the eighth consecutive season since his transfer to Liverpool in 2017.
Despite ongoing speculation regarding the futures of Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool has maintained an impressive start under Slot.
All three players may soon contemplate a move to a foreign club on a free transfer next season, yet they remain committed to the pursuit of a second Premier League title together for the time being.
Recent reports in the Spanish media have reignited rumours about Alexander-Arnold’s potential transfer to Real Madrid, and the England international demonstrated his value with a powerful strike that deflected off Max Kilman.
Jota’s introduction as a substitute further highlighted the additional attacking options Liverpool possesses compared to their title competitors.
The Portuguese forward capped off a commanding victory with the fifth goal, benefiting from another exquisite assist from Salah.
Salah skillfully manoeuvred past three West Ham defenders before providing the ball to Jota, marking his 13th Premier League assist of the season, alongside 17 goals in 18 matches.
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