Mohamed Salah shines again as Liverpool put five past West Ham

Liverpool thrashed West Ham United 5-0 at the London Stadium to stretch their Premier League lead to eight points on Sunday with Mohamed Salah once again in irrepressible form.

The Egypt international has been enjoying a vintage season despite uncertainty over a new contract and scored once and provided two assists as Liverpool dismantled their outclassed hosts. Salah’s brilliance was on full display, with his ability to unlock defenses and create opportunities for his teammates ensuring Liverpool’s dominance. His exceptional form has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s campaign, proving instrumental in their pursuit of silverware.

With 20 goals in all competitions this season, Salah continues to redefine his role as one of the world’s premier attackers. His knack for scoring and assisting has been pivotal, as evidenced by his contributions in eight Premier League games. Under the guidance of Arne Slot in his first season as Liverpool manager, Salah seems poised to lead the Reds to their 20th league title. Slot’s tactical acumen and ability to extract the best from his players have transformed Liverpool into an unstoppable force, particularly with Salah at the helm of their attacking prowess.

Liverpool now sits atop the Premier League table with 45 points from 18 games, eight points clear of surprise contenders Nottingham Forest, who have 37 points from 19 games. While Forest’s rise has been commendable, Liverpool’s consistency and quality set them apart as favorites for the title. Fourth-placed Chelsea also remains in the mix, with a chance to close the gap to seven points if they secure a victory against struggling Ipswich Town. However, Liverpool’s relentless form puts them in a commanding position.

“The only thing on my mind is I want Liverpool to win the league and I want to be part of that,” Salah told Sky Sports after the match. “I will do my best for the team to win the trophy. There are a few other teams catching up with us, and we need to stay focused and humble and go again. I am always hungry for more.” Salah’s comments underline his unwavering commitment to the team’s success, despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding his contract extension.

When pressed about his contract situation, Salah remained non-committal. “No, we are far away from that, and I don’t want to put anything in the media,” he said. While the impasse over his contract may concern Liverpool fans, his on-field performances continue to speak volumes about his dedication and professionalism. Manager Arne Slot echoed these sentiments, expressing his admiration for Salah’s consistency and impact. “If you look at his numbers, you can’t argue with that,” Slot remarked. “Mo is definitely up there at the moment.”

Liverpool’s attacking prowess has been evident in recent weeks, with nine goals scored in their last two league matches prior to Sunday’s game. However, their dominance against West Ham wasn’t immediately reflected on the scoreboard. In the opening stages, the hosts managed to frustrate Liverpool, but the breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Luis Díaz capitalized on a fortunate rebound to sweep a shot past West Ham’s keeper Alphonse Areola. From that point, there was no looking back for Liverpool.

West Ham briefly threatened to make a contest of it when Mohammed Kudus rattled the post with a powerful shot. However, that was as close as the home side came to troubling Liverpool. Salah’s masterful footwork in a crowded area set up Cody Gakpo for Liverpool’s second goal in the 40th minute. Just before halftime, Salah added a third, receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Curtis Jones before firing a precise shot inside the post. The goal effectively ended the match as a contest, with West Ham struggling to mount any meaningful response.

After the interval, Liverpool eased their intensity but remained a constant threat. Their fourth goal came in the 54th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s strike deflected off the head of Max Kilman and into the net. The visitors continued to showcase their depth and versatility, with manager Slot making several substitutions to rest key players while maintaining the team’s dominance. Despite the changes, Salah stayed on the pitch and continued to torment West Ham’s defense. In the 84th minute, he embarked on a mesmerizing dribble before setting up Diogo Jota, who curled a superb shot into the top corner to complete the rout.

By the final whistle, the London Stadium had emptied significantly, with disgruntled West Ham fans voicing their frustration. In contrast, Liverpool supporters celebrated another emphatic victory that underscored their team’s superiority. The Reds’ performances this season have been a testament to their resilience, tactical discipline, and attacking flair, qualities that have made them the team to beat in the Premier League.

Liverpool’s resurgence under Arne Slot has been remarkable. The Dutchman’s arrival at Anfield brought a renewed sense of purpose and ambition, and his ability to integrate new signings while reinvigorating established stars like Salah has been key to their success. The team’s balance between defensive solidity and attacking dynamism has made them a formidable opponent for any side.

As the season progresses, Liverpool’s focus will undoubtedly remain on maintaining their lead and securing the title. The team’s depth and quality provide a strong foundation for their aspirations, with players like Díaz, Gakpo, and Jota stepping up to complement Salah’s brilliance. Additionally, the leadership of experienced figures like Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk ensures that Liverpool possesses the character and resolve needed to navigate the challenges ahead.

While questions about Salah’s future linger, his performances continue to captivate fans and pundits alike. His ability to influence games, whether through goals, assists, or moments of individual brilliance, has cemented his status as one of the best players in the world. For Liverpool, his contributions could prove decisive in their quest for a 20th league title, a milestone that would further solidify their legacy as one of English football’s greatest clubs.

In conclusion, Liverpool’s 5-0 demolition of West Ham United showcased their dominance and ambition in this season’s Premier League campaign. With Mohamed Salah leading the charge and Arne Slot’s tactical expertise guiding the team, the Reds appear well-positioned to achieve their goals. As they continue to mesmerize with their performances, the prospect of lifting the league trophy looms ever closer, a testament to their determination and excellence on the pitch.