Liverpool produced their best display since the turn of the year as the reigning Premier League champions rewarded punters who used their coral offer and brushed aside an in-form West Ham side at the London Stadium.
After an unspectacular first half with few chances for either side, the Reds were unforgiving in the second half as Jurgen Klopp’s side returned to the peak of their powers in east London.
Despite a plethora of injuries, including a knock to Sadio Mane, and with Roberto Firmino sat watching on from the bench. Liverpool were a joy to behold at times and Mohamed Salah’s sublime finish for the first was the start of things to come.
A swift counter-attack with from a West Ham corner saw the lead doubled following a remarkable first time cross from Xherdan Shaqiri found Salah who controlled and finished expertly.
The visitors scoring was rounded off by Gini Wijnaldum after a passing move that showed the Reds truly were back to their best.
Here’s how we rated Jurgen Klopp’s men…
Alisson Becker - 7
Quieter afternoon than he might’ve expected.
Could do nothing about the goal and swept up well generally.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7
Delivery back to causing menace and coped well when called upon defensively.
Nat Phillips - 8
Seems to enjoy coming up against West Ham.
Aerial prowess a huge bonus and he could be part of the defensive answer.
Jordan Henderson - 8
Brilliant out of position once again.
May struggle to find his way back to the midfield on this showing.
Andy Robertson - 7
Switched play with Alexander-Arnold to great effect.
Impressive without his usual partner in crime, Sadio Mane.
Gini Wijnaldum - 7
Remains ever-present for and an increasing influence in the midfield.
Deserved his goal late on after showing more ambition than usual.
James Milner - 7
The veteran midfielder was everywhere in the first half as Liverpool dominated the midfield.
Seemed upset at being replaced before the Reds broke the deadlock moments later.
Thiago - 8
Beat his man on every occasion and always found the right pass to get the Reds moving forwards.
Mohamed Salah - 9
Simply sublime. Hat-trick would’ve earned the perfect 10 but his two finishes deserve the highest praise.
Well and truly back to form.
Divock Origi - 6
Busy enough in the first half but his two snapshots missed the target and ultimately this was an opportunity missed.
Xherdan Shaqiri - 7
His eye for a pass was a constant threat and his continued fitness is a big bonus for Liverpool.
Curtis Jones (Sub) - 7
Instant impact off the bench and a huge plus with his attack-minded midfield play.
Roberto Firmino (Sub) - 7
Picked up brilliant positions and assisted the Wijnaldum goal. Looking sharp and will benefit from the rest.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Sub) - 6
Replaced Origi late on albeit too late to make a lasting impression.