Liverpool climbed into the Premier League’s top five with a 5-2 win over struggling West Ham on Saturday, as Manchester City aimed to apply more pressure on Arsenal in the title race.
Three first-half goals, all from set-pieces — by Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister — put Arne Slot’s men on course for a fourth consecutive victory in all competitions.
Dutch duo Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong added more goals after the break, but despite the scoreline, it was another far from convincing performance from the English champions.
Defeat dealt another blow to the Hammers’ hopes of survival as they remain two points adrift of safety, but they hit back twice in the second half through Tomas Soucek and Valentin Castellanos and could have scored more at Anfield.
A place in the top five is almost certain to secure Champions League football next season, thanks to the strong results of English sides in European competition this season.
Liverpool move three points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea, who face the daunting task of a trip to Arsenal on Sunday.
City trail the Gunners by five points at the top of the table but have a game in hand.
Pep Guardiola’s men will have to do without prolific top scorer Erling Haaland, who misses the trip to the city of his birth due to a knee injury.
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