Liverpool reignited their Champions League qualification push with an emphatic 5–2 victory over West Ham at Anfield on February 28, 2026, moving level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table.
Arne Slot’s side delivered a ruthless first-half display, scoring three times from set pieces to overwhelm the visitors early. Hugo Ekitiké opened the scoring in the fifth minute, reacting quickest inside the box before Virgil van Dijk powered home a header from a corner midway through the half.
Alexis Mac Allister added a third just before the break, capping off a dominant 45 minutes that highlighted Liverpool’s newfound efficiency from dead-ball situations something outlets like Softfootball have described as a “new strength” in Slot’s system.
West Ham attempted a second-half comeback, with Tomas Soucek and Valentin Castellanos pulling two goals back to briefly inject tension into the contest.
However, Liverpool responded decisively. Cody Gakpo restored breathing space, and a late Axel Disasi own goal sealed a comprehensive win for the Reds.
Fans on X reacted with a blend of excitement and realism as the top-four race tightens.
Lucas wrote,
“No clean sheet today but 3 points is crucial for top 4 charge,”
acknowledging both the defensive lapses and the importance of the result. Williams celebrated the attacking display, posting,
“Liverpool demolish West Ham 5-2! Goals flying, celebrations popping Reds on fire!”
Meanwhile, CA highlighted a moment of pundit irony, noting,
“Gary Neville on Overlap really predicted it 0-2 ffs 🤣🤣🤣,”
after Roberto Martinez had tipped a shock West Ham win.
The victory builds on Liverpool’s recent momentum, following their dramatic 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest, where Mac Allister scored a 97th-minute winner. Slot has also remained patient with summer signing Alexander Isak, emphasizing long-term faith in the striker’s quality as he works his way back to full fitness.
With Arsenal leading the table and Manchester City chasing, the race for the top four is tightening rapidly. Liverpool now sit fifth on goal difference, but with performances like this, they are firmly back in the Champions League conversation.
