In a dazzling display of individual brilliance, Mohamed Salah scored a sensational hat trick to power Liverpool to a resounding 5-0 victory over West Ham United on Monday night. The emphatic result at the London Stadium saw Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Reds extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to a commanding eight points.
Salah’s Stunning Show
Egyptian superstar Mo Salah was at his unplayable best, tormenting the Hammers’ defense with his pace, trickery and deadly finishing. He opened the scoring in the 9th minute, expertly controlling a long pass before dinking the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Salah then produced a moment of pure magic for his second goal, collecting the ball near the halfway line before embarking on a mazy dribble past four West Ham defenders and coolly slotting home. His hat trick was complete on the hour mark as he drilled in a low shot from the edge of the box after a lightning Liverpool counter-attack.
That first goal from Mo was just ridiculous. The touch, the composure, the finish – that’s why he’s the best in the world right now. Absolutely unplayable.
– Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson
Rampant Reds Reign Supreme
It wasn’t just the Salah show, as Liverpool delivered a complete team performance full of intensity, creativity and clinical finishing. Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota also got on the scoresheet, while the Reds’ high-energy pressing and intricate passing left West Ham chasing shadows for much of the contest.
- Mane made it 2-0 in the 25th minute, applying a simple finish after Andy Robertson’s low cross.
- Jota added a fourth with a volleyed effort on 84 minutes.
In contrast, West Ham struggled to create chances against a well-drilled Liverpool defense marshalled by the imperious Virgil van Dijk. The Hammers’ best opportunity came when Pablo Fornals’ shot hit the post just before halftime with the score at 2-0.
Eight Point Buffer
Liverpool’s victory, coupled with Nottingham Forest holding second-place Manchester City to a goalless draw on Saturday, means Klopp’s side now have an eight point cushion at the Premier League summit. While there are still 17 games to play, many are already anointing the Reds as champions-elect.
An eight point lead in December is hugely significant. Liverpool are in complete control of the title race now. I just can’t see anyone catching them, they’re too good and too consistent.
– Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher
Elsewhere in the Premier League this weekend:
- Tottenham conceded a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw at Wolves
- Crystal Palace continued their impressive form with a 2-0 win over Southampton
- Fulham and Bournemouth played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage
Marching On
For Liverpool, attention now turns to the busy festive period as they seek to further strengthen their grip on top spot. Klopp will be delighted with his team’s ruthless performance against an admittedly out-of-form West Ham side.
If Mo Salah can maintain this kind of irrepressible form, it’s hard to see any team halting the Red machine. Based on this evidence, Liverpool are marching inexorably towards a second Premier League title in three seasons.
