Mo Salah scores his 20th goal of the season and adds two assists to inspire Liverpool’s dominant 5-0 victory, leaving them eight points clear at the top

Mohamed Salah put on another show-stopping performance as he inspired Liverpool to a resounding 5-0 win at West Ham, taking his tally to 20 goals for the season across all competitions. The Egyptian forward, who has now scored in eight consecutive seasons, also contributed two assists in a clinical display that sent Liverpool eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Salah opened the scoring with a sharp assist for Cody Gakpo, flicking the ball through the legs of two defenders in an audacious nutmeg that set up Gakpo’s goal. His second assist came later, when he provided a perfectly timed pass for Diogo Jota to score Liverpool’s fifth. Salah’s performance capped off a dominant display, just days before he becomes eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs about a potential summer move.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of the key players also out of contract this season, scored the fourth goal, while Luis Diaz set the tone early, opening the scoring after a fortunate bounce off Vladimir Coufal. Despite West Ham’s initial pressure, with Jarrod Bowen’s superb assist to Lucas Paqueta wasted by a missed opportunity, the hosts were outclassed throughout.

Liverpool’s control was evident from the first whistle, with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola having a busy evening. His initial reactions kept West Ham in the game, but he was eventually undone by the relentless Reds attack. After Diaz’s opener, Salah’s assist for Gakpo and a third goal from the Egyptian himself put the match out of West Ham’s reach by half-time.

In the second half, Alexander-Arnold’s deflected shot made it 4-0, while Salah’s 30th goal involvement of the season helped Jota seal the win. Liverpool’s 5-0 victory not only secured another three points but also showcased their determination to secure a first league title in five years.

With this performance, Liverpool continued their strong form under Arne Slot, and their victory leaves West Ham with little hope of challenging as they remain off the pace. As the Premier League title race heats up, Salah’s record-breaking form ensures that Liverpool are poised to mount a serious challenge as they head into the new year.