Liverpool trash West Ham by 5-2 in Premier League at Anfield
Liverpool trash West Ham by 5-2 in Premier League action on February 29, 2026, at Anfield in a thrilling display of attacking and set-piece efficiency. From the first whistle, Liverpool dominated the match, highlighting their improved tactical approach under Arne Slot. The Reds secured three first-half goals from set-pieces, with Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister all finding the back of the net before the break. West Ham’s Tomas Soucek managed to pull one back, but the visitors were unable to threaten Liverpool’s commanding performance.
This victory sees Liverpool rise to fifth place in the Premier League standings, temporarily displacing Chelsea, while West Ham continues to struggle in the bottom three, with their relegation battle intensifying.
Liverpool vs West Ham result – Set-piece goals dominate the first half
From the opening minutes, it was clear that Liverpool had prepared meticulously for West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially on set-pieces. Hugo Ekitike’s early influence was decisive, as he scored twice and created chances for his teammates. Virgil van Dijk, now the second-highest scoring central defender in Premier League history, demonstrated his aerial dominance by heading in a perfectly delivered corner. Alexis Mac Allister completed the trio of first-half set-piece goals, leaving West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen helpless.
The effectiveness of Liverpool’s set-piece strategies marked a significant turnaround from earlier in the season, when the Reds struggled to convert such opportunities. This tactical evolution under Slot has turned a previously underutilized aspect of Liverpool’s game into a decisive weapon.
Arne Slot tactics – Transforming Liverpool’s attacking efficiency
Arne Slot’s management has been pivotal in Liverpool trashing West Ham by 5-2 in Premier League action. Slot and his coaching staff focused on exploiting West Ham’s known weaknesses in defending corners and free-kicks. West Ham, who have conceded a league-high 15 goals from corners this season, repeatedly failed to mark runners inside the six-yard box, allowing Liverpool to capitalize.
Slot’s tactical emphasis on set-piece training shows immediate dividends. “The main thing to take is we scored three goals from set pieces. It’s very pleasing, that’s the reason we won,” Slot told Sky Sports post-match. By integrating positional awareness, precise deliveries, and planned routines, Liverpool maximized their attacking output.
Hugo Ekitike performance shines in Liverpool’s triumph
Hugo Ekitike was the star of the night as Liverpool trash West Ham by 5-2 in Premier League play. Ekitike scored two goals and provided two key assists, creating havoc for West Ham’s defensive line. His movement off the ball, aerial dominance, and composure in front of goal were crucial to Liverpool’s victory.
Cody Gakpo also contributed by converting a fourth goal after initially missing a sitter, while Jeremie Frimpong forced an own goal from Axel Disasi late in the match, sealing Liverpool’s emphatic win. Despite West Ham scoring twice, their inability to prevent Liverpool from dominating set-piece situations confirmed their defensive fragility.
Premier League table impact – Liverpool move up to fifth
This 5-2 win has a significant impact on the Premier League standings. Liverpool’s ascent to fifth place puts them in a stronger position for European qualification. West Ham, meanwhile, remains in the relegation zone, with only 25 points after 28 matches. The victory illustrates how set-piece efficiency and tactical planning can dramatically influence the Premier League table.
Current Premier League 2025-26 Standings After Liverpool vs West Ham
| Pos | Team | PTS | MP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 61 | 28 | 18 | 3 | 7 | 56 | 21 | 35 | W W D D W |
| 2 | Man City | 59 | 28 | 18 | 5 | 5 | 57 | 25 | 32 | D W W W W |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 51 | 28 | 15 | 7 | 6 | 38 | 30 | 8 | L D W D L |
| 4 | Man Utd | 48 | 27 | 13 | 5 | 9 | 48 | 37 | 11 | W W W D W |
| 5 | Liverpool | 48 | 28 | 14 | 8 | 6 | 47 | 37 | 10 | W L W W W |
| 6 | Chelsea | 45 | 27 | 12 | 6 | 9 | 48 | 31 | 17 | W W W D D |
| 7 | Brentford | 43 | 28 | 13 | 11 | 4 | 44 | 40 | 4 | W W D L W |
| 8 | Everton | 40 | 28 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 32 | 33 | -1 | D W L L W |
| 9 | Bournemouth | 39 | 28 | 9 | 7 | 12 | 44 | 46 | -2 | W D W D |
| 10 | Fulham | 37 | 27 | 11 | 12 | 4 | 38 | 41 | -3 | W L L L W |
| 11 | Sunderland | 37 | 28 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 29 | 34 | -5 | W L L L D |
| 12 | Newcastle | 36 | 28 | 10 | 12 | 6 | 40 | 42 | -2 | L L W L L |
| 13 | Crystal Palace | 35 | 27 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 29 | 32 | -3 | L D W L W |
| 14 | Brighton | 34 | 27 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 36 | 34 | 2 | L D L L W |
| 15 | Leeds | 31 | 28 | 7 | 11 | 10 | 37 | 47 | -10 | L W D D L |
| 16 | Tottenham | 29 | 27 | 7 | 12 | 8 | 37 | 41 | -4 | D D L L L |
| 17 | Nottingham | 27 | 27 | 7 | 14 | 6 | 25 | 39 | -14 | W D L D L |
| 18 | West Ham | 25 | 28 | 6 | 15 | 7 | 34 | 54 | -20 | L W L D L |
| 19 | Burnley | 19 | 28 | 4 | 17 | 7 | 32 | 56 | -24 | L L W D L |
| 20 | Wolverhampton | 13 | 29 | 2 | 20 | 7 | 20 | 51 | -31 | L D D L W |
YOU MAY LIKE:
West Ham perspective – Nuno Espirito Santo reacts
Despite the loss, West Ham’s manager Nuno Espirito Santo highlighted positives in his side’s performance. “Maybe it’s absurd to say it was a good performance when you lose 5-2, but there are a lot of positives in our game,” he said. Santo acknowledged his players’ effort and creativity but admitted their set-piece weaknesses cost them dearly.
West Ham’s struggle to defend corners and free-kicks remains a critical issue, leaving them vulnerable in the relegation battle. This match underlines the urgent need for defensive reinforcement and tactical adjustments ahead of the remaining Premier League fixtures.
Mainstream media references
- Sky Sports – Liverpool 5-2 West Ham Match Report
• Liverpool 5-2 West Ham: Reds display set-piece prowess at Anfield — Sky Sports covers Liverpool’s emphatic win, goalscorers, and tactical impact on the Premier League table.
👉 https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/13520058/liverpool-5-2-west-ham-match-report-premier-league
Kindly consider to support eKayNews, Buy Us a Coffee & Keep the News Flowing!
Love what we do? You can now support eKayNews directly! Your contributions empower us to deliver the breaking news, sports, and local updates you trust.
Ways to Support:
-
Subscribe: Choose any amount (cancel anytime).
-
Virtual Coffee: A quick, once-off donation to say thanks.
Note: Payments are 100% secure via PayFast. We never see your banking details.
To our amazing readers: Your support fills us with gratitude. You are the reason we can keep doing this every day. Thank you for being a vital part of the eKayNews family!
We’re feeling the love at eKayNews!
Facebook: [eKayNews on Facebook] X (Twitter): [eKayNews on X] WhatsApp: [Follow the eKayNews WhatsApp Channel] Join our inner circle for real-time news alerts!
📢 Advertising Packages on www.eKayNews.co.za
Package 1. Link Booster: We add 7 links to 7 articles over 7 days – R2,500
Package 2. Permanent Feature: Sponsored Blog Article (hosted permanently) – R4,000
Package 3. Prime Visibility: Home Page Banner Ad (30 days) – R5,000
Book now: Email info@ekaynews.co.za or WhatsApp us on +27710961185
