Victor Ogunyinka
Liverpool continue their blistering form that make them one of the most prolific attack forces in Europe this season by repeating 4-1 thrashing of West Ham, surpassing the 100 goals landmark in all competitions in the process.
Liverpool started at Anfield with their usual attacking suspects of Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane and it took just two minutes for Salah to hit the woodwork in what would have been his fastest goal for Liverpool.
West Ham showed some glimpses of intent, which raised suspicion for Liverpool’s shaky defence, but it was want away midfielder, Emre Can, that put the home side ahead with a well placed header from Salah’s corner kick.
And that was all there is in the first half.
The Reds, who are one leg into the quarter finals of the Champions League after whitewashing FC Porto in Portugal, started the second half with full intent as Firmino’s slight touch beat the Hammers’ goalkeeper to tap into an empty net.
It was all Liverpool’s show henceforth and they never looked like losing this one.
Some 10 minutes later, after failing to convert chances, Salah capped a beautiful teamwork to score his 23rd goal of the campaign and making him joint topscorer with Harry Kane.
As the time wind on, West Ham fancied their chances and super sub, Antonio, reduced the deficit with a beautiful counter attack that caught Liverpool’s defence napping.
Mane’s effort from close range, after Oxlade Chamberlain teed him up hit the woodwork, but in the same version, another team effort saw Robertson square-played another cross into the box and after beating three opponents, Mane was on hand to loop one over the goalkeeper and his well taken effort cannoned the bar into the post to make it 4.
Salah’s goal enshrined him in history books as the first player ever to score 20 goals in the Premier League with his left foot.
With a decisive encounter on Sunday against Manchester United and Chelsea, Liverpool will sit on the second spot tentatively with 56 points and 16 behind league leaders, Manchester City.