Liverpool F.C. climbed to fifth in the Premier League table with an emphatic 5-2 victory over West Ham United F.C. at Anfield, extending the Reds’ winning run in all competitions to four matches.

The hosts needed just five minutes to break the deadlock with their first effort on goal. A clever pass from Ryan Gravenberch picked out Hugo Ekitike inside the penalty area, and the forward showed great composure to finish past Mads Hermansen for his 11th league goal of the season.

Liverpool doubled their advantage midway through the first half, capitalising on West Ham’s static defending. An inviting corner from Dominik Szoboszlai caused chaos in the box, and captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest to head home from close range, putting Arne Slot’s side firmly in control.

To their credit, the visitors responded positively and nearly pulled one back before the interval. Alisson Becker was called into action to produce a crucial save, denying Tomas Soucek and preserving Liverpool’s two-goal cushion.

Despite West Ham’s improved spell, Liverpool struck again just before half-time with ruthless efficiency. Following another set piece, Ekitike turned provider, teeing up Alexis Mac Allister, who rifled an unstoppable effort past Hermansen to make it 3-0 at the break.

The Hammers refused to fold and found a lifeline four minutes after the restart. El Hadji Malick Diouf delivered a dangerous ball across goal that Soucek met confidently, giving the travelling supporters renewed hope.

However, defensive frailties continued to undermine West Ham. Cody Gakpo squandered a gilt-edged chance at the far post shortly after, but the Dutchman quickly made amends. Collecting a pass from Ekitike, he cut in from the left and fired a deflected shot into the bottom corner to restore Liverpool’s three-goal advantage.

With 15 minutes remaining, a lapse in concentration at the back allowed West Ham to narrow the deficit once more. An unmarked Taty Castellanos headed beyond Alisson at the far post to make it 4-2.

Any lingering hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished. A low delivery from Jeremie Frimpong was inadvertently turned into his own net by Axel Disasi, capping the scoring at 5-2 as Liverpool comfortably saw out the closing stages.

The victory significantly boosts Liverpool’s push for a top-four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League, while West Ham remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety as their struggles continue.