Liverpool go 19 points clear after beating West Ham (Match Report)

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ensured leaders Liverpool beat West Ham United 2-0 to go 19 points clear at the top of the table.

Mohamed Salah’s penalty in the 35th minute gave the Reds the lead, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored on the counter-attack not long after half-time, to send all three points back up to Merseyside with Jurgen Klopp’s side.

For the Hammers, a battling performance yielded few rewards, although David Moyes’ men were not without their chances. Robert Snodgrass and Declan Rice both tested Liverpool’s Alisson with fine efforts, met by equally fine saves.

Liverpool appeared to be in control of the contest from the first whistle.

However, it would take until the 24th minute for them to create the first goal-scoring opportunity.

Andrew Robertson had an effort cleared off the line by Issa Diop before Salah put Liverpool in front after 35 minutes.

The Egyptian fired past Lukasz Fabianski from the penalty spot after Diop fouled Divock Origi.

The visitors continued with their dominance following the half-time interval.

Roberto Firmino was denied by a fine low save from Fabianski until Oxlade-Chamberlain eventually made it 2-0.

Liverpool launched a breakaway from a West Ham corner as Salah’s exquisite outside-of-the-boot pass put Oxlade-Chamberlain through on goal.

The No.15 proceeded to brush off a challenge before coolly finding the back of the net.

Alisson Becker denied West Ham a quick response as he palmed away Robert Snodgrass’ long-range effort. The Brazilian then batted away a Declan Rice shot. Liverpool were fortunate as Trent Alexander-Arnold nearly put the rebound into his own net, only for the ball to strike the post and bounce clear.

West Ham were unable to find a breakthrough as Liverpool claimed a 15th consecutive victory.

A run of four matches without a win leaves the Hammers 17th with 23 points, clear of the bottom three on goal difference.

Photo Credit: premierleague.com