Liverpool triumphed over West Ham United with a resounding 5-1 victory in the EFL Cup, showcasing their attacking prowess and squad depth. The match, held at Anfield, marked the start of Liverpool’s defense of the League Cup trophy in emphatic style.
The encounter began with a surprising twist as West Ham opened the scoring through an unfortunate own goal by Liverpool’s Quansah, whose attempted clearance deflected into his own net. However, Liverpool quickly responded, with Cody Gakpo playing in Chiesa, who volleyed the ball toward goal. Diogo Jota was perfectly positioned to head it in, equalizing for the Reds just moments later.
Jota continued to shine, netting another goal after a clever pass from Curtis Jones. As the match progressed, Liverpool maintained their momentum, with Mohamed Salah scoring a fantastic strike off a rebound to extend the lead. The Hammers struggled to contain Liverpool’s attacking flair, culminating in a red card for West Ham’s Alverez, further tipping the balance in favor of the hosts.
Throughout the match, Liverpool’s tactical flexibility was evident, with Arne Slot rotating players effectively while ensuring a cohesive performance. The attacking quartet of Nunez, Jota, Gakpo, and Chiesa created relentless pressure, leaving West Ham’s defense in disarray. Liverpool’s victory not only demonstrated their strength in depth but also highlighted their ambition in the current campaign.