The end of the year slot side is in sparkling form

Liverpool cruised to a comfortable win as the league leaders scored five goals past West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Luis Diaz, Cody Jacobo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota scored as Arne Slott’s side wrapped up the year in impressive fashion.

The win means the Reds move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, while the Hammers remain in 13th place, nine points above the relegation zone.

We end 2024 with a win in the capital 😍 #WHULIV pic.twitter.com/rIBrfWon7v

– Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 29, 2024

Going into the match, West Ham were unbeaten in four matches, including a 1-0 win over Southampton on Boxing Day.

Due to injuries and suspensions, coach Julen Lopetegui made four changes for the Liverpool match. One of them was Alphonse Areola, who came on for the injured Lukasz Fabianski, who was called up early when he made a smart save from Mahrem Salah.

But on the half-hour mark, Diaz, the only change in Liverpool’s starting line-up, gave the Reds the lead when he slotted the ball into the net from inside the penalty area.

Liverpool were on the verge of equalizing almost immediately when the lively Mohamed Quddus hit the post with a long-range shot.

But seconds later, Slot doubled their lead when some magic from Salah set up Jacobo for an easy shot.

“More magic from Mohamed Salah” 🪄

Jacopo is there to finish the job after a wonderful skill from Salah 🎯 pic.twitter.com/K3a9mJDUSx

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 29, 2024

Salah then got into the game himself, scoring his 20th goal of the season when his shot went under Areola at his near post.

It completed half of the football for Slott’s side, who went into the break with a three-goal lead.

The second half continued in much the same vein. Areola again made a good save from Salah’s shot in the first few minutes, but the fourth goal arrived shortly after when Alexander-Arnold’s deflected shot hit the foot of the West Ham goalkeeper.

Liverpool have four!

Trent Alexander-Arnold shot it from long range and it collided with Max Kilman inside the goal 💫 pic.twitter.com/D5jeJeYMhL

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 29, 2024

From there, the Reds played at half pace. With their big rivals Manchester United set to visit in a week’s time, Slott made the changes, giving extra rest to the likes of Jacobo and Ryan Gravenberch.

The Hammers offered little threat, looking more than anything resigned to limiting the damage.

Kudos hit the woodwork again, but the offside flag was raised.

Substitute Diogo Jota ended Liverpool’s impressive performance when he scored the fifth goal six minutes before the 90th minute.

It was the culmination of what had been a very comfortable evening for Liverpool, who end 2024 at the top of the table and in pole position to clinch the Premier League title.