Liverpool's Set-Piece Revolution Powers Convincing Home Triumph Over West Ham
Liverpool delivered a stunning display of set-piece prowess in a commanding 5-2 victory over West Ham at Anfield, a result that significantly bolsters their pursuit of Champions League qualification. The match was defined by three first-half goals originating from corners, highlighting a remarkable transformation for a team that previously struggled in this critical aspect of the game.
Historic First-Half Corner Hat-Trick
Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister all found the net from corners before halftime, an achievement that places Liverpool in elite company. They became only the second team in Premier League history, following Manchester United in 2016, to score three goals from corners in a single half. This explosive start set the tone for a match where Liverpool's renewed confidence from dead-ball situations was on full display.
The breakthrough arrived after just five minutes, capitalising on West Ham's defensive frailties. Ryan Gravenberch set up Ekitike, whose shot deflected past goalkeeper Mads Hermansen for his 16th goal of the season. Van Dijk then powered in a header from Dominik Szoboszlai's delivery, marking his fifth goal of the campaign. Mac Allister completed the set-piece trio with a volley from Mohamed Salah's corner, leaving West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo visibly frustrated on the sidelines.
Dramatic Turnaround in Set-Piece Fortunes
This performance underscores a dramatic reversal in Liverpool's set-piece effectiveness under manager Arne Slot. At the turn of the year, the team had the worst set-piece balance in the Premier League, measured by goals scored versus conceded, which led to the dismissal of coach Aaron Briggs. Since New Year's Day, however, Liverpool have scored nine set-piece goals while conceding only three, the best record of any top-flight club during that period.
Slot had previously attributed their early-season struggles to misfortune, but the data now supports a tangible improvement. Notably, Liverpool's expected goals (xG) for the first half was a modest 0.7, yet they managed to convert their opportunities with clinical precision. This efficiency has been pivotal in their recent form, including a last-gasp winner at Nottingham Forest the previous weekend.
West Ham's Resilience and Liverpool's Response
West Ham, who have now won just once in 59 visits to Anfield, showed brief signs of a comeback. Tomas Soucek and Taty Castellanos scored in the second half to narrow the deficit, momentarily unsettling Liverpool. However, Cody Gakpo ended his eight-match league goal drought with a well-taken strike, and an own goal from Axel Disasi, turning in Jeremie Frimpong's cross, sealed the victory for the hosts.
Defensively, Liverpool faced some nervy moments, including errors from goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Gravenberch, but they ultimately contained West Ham's threats. The Hammers' recent revival, which had seen them take 11 points from their last 18, was effectively halted by Liverpool's offensive firepower.
Implications for the Premier League Table
With this win, Liverpool moved level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United, significantly closing the goal difference gap to just one goal. This positions them strongly in the race for a top-four finish, with their set-piece proficiency emerging as a key asset. Van Dijk's goal also reinforced his status as one of the Premier League's most prolific central defenders, with only John Terry scoring more non-penalty goals from that position.
Looking ahead, Liverpool's ability to maintain this set-piece momentum could prove decisive in their Champions League aspirations. For West Ham, the defeat serves as a setback, emphasising the need for improved defensive organisation against elite opponents. The match ultimately showcased how strategic adjustments and execution can transform a team's fortunes, with Liverpool's set-piece mastery taking centre stage in a thrilling Anfield encounter.
