Liverpool delivered a dominant display at Anfield, defeating West Ham 5-2 to boost their Premier League top-five hopes. Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring early before captain Virgil van Dijk headed in a second from a Dominik Szoboszlai corner. Alexis Mac Allister made it three before halftime with a sharp volley.

West Ham responded after the break as Tomas Soucek pulled one back, but Liverpool quickly regained control. Cody Gakpo restored the three-goal margin with a neat finish in the 70th minute to steady the home side.

Valentin Castellanos reduced the deficit again, yet Liverpool sealed the win when Axel Disasi turned Jeremie Frimpong’s cross into his own net. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker also made key saves to prevent further pressure from the visitors.

The victory moves Liverpool level on points with Manchester United and keeps them firmly in the race for Champions League places. Meanwhile, West Ham remain in the relegation zone, deepening concerns over their survival battle.