Liverpool 5-2 West Ham: Goal Fest Delight

Liverpool 5-2 West Ham: Goal Fest Delight

Liverpool 5-2 West Ham: Player Ratings – Reds' Set-Piece Masterclass Powers Convincing Win at Anfield.

                    Liverpool produced a dominant yet occasionally nervy performance to secure a 5-2 victory over West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the Premier League.

            The result marked a fourth consecutive win across all competitions for Arne Slot's side, boosting their push for Champions League qualification as they moved level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United (48 points) and displaced Chelsea in fifth.

The match highlighted Liverpool's newfound prowess from set-pieces, with three first-half goals coming from corners: Hugo Ekitike's opener (5'), Virgil van Dijk's header (24'), and Alexis Mac Allister's volley (43'). Cody Gakpo added a fourth in the 70th minute, assisted by Ekitike, before an Axel Disasi own goal (83') sealed the rout.

West Ham responded with Tomas Soucek's 49th-minute strike and a Valentín Castellanos header (73'/75' in reports), exposing defensive vulnerabilities despite the scoreline.

This chaotic, end-to-end thriller showcased Liverpool's attacking flair and resilience, but also defensive lapses that kept West Ham in the contest longer than expected. Hugo Ekitike starred with a goal and two assists, earning widespread praise as man of the match.

Match Summary and Key Moments

Liverpool started brightly, exploiting West Ham's set-piece frailties early. Ekitike finished neatly from Ryan Gravenberch's pass for 1-0. Van Dijk rose highest from Dominik Szoboszlai's corner for 2-0, and Mac Allister volleyed home Ekitike's cushioned layoff from another set-piece to make it 3-0 at halftime.

The second half saw momentum swing: Soucek bundled home shortly after the restart, Castellanos headed in to make it 4-2 after Gakpo's cool finish, but Disasi's late deflection off Jeremie Frimpong's cross ensured a comfortable margin.

Anfield's atmosphere was electric, with the Kop celebrating a return to form after earlier-season struggles.

Alexis Mac Allister: We're happy with the result and need to keep improving - Liverpool FC.

Player Ratings: Liverpool Standouts Shine

Ratings are averaged and adapted from sources like Sky Sports, This Is Anfield, GOAL, and fan/user averages, on a 1-10 scale. Focus on key performers as per user details.

Alisson Becker – 6/10 A typically commanding display marred by occasional discomfort. Made crucial saves to deny Soucek and Summerville, but looked shaky on distribution—one lapse nearly gifted Bowen a goal—and uncomfortable for Castellanos' header. Conceding twice will frustrate the Brazilian, who remains reliable overall.

Joe Gomez – 7/10 Solid return at right-back. The longest-serving current Liverpool player handled Summerville well for the most part, staying disciplined and limiting threats down his flank. Nearly scored his first-ever goal but was denied. A dependable showing amid defensive rotations.

Man City move within two points of leaders Arsenal, Liverpool thrash West Ham.

Ibrahima Konate – 7/10 Continued his resurgence with poise and focus at center-back. Made nine defensive contributions (second-most for Liverpool), putting out fires during West Ham counters. Not always commanding, but held firm for long periods and contributed to clean-sheet efforts before the late goals.

Virgil van Dijk – 7/10 (or 8/10 in some sources) Back to his best as captain. Scored a trademark header—his fifth of the season—from Szoboszlai's corner and made four headed clearances (most by any player). Dependable aerially, though slipped by Soucek for the first concession. A priceless leader.


Milos Kerkez – 6/10 Has made left-back his own but struggled against Jarrod Bowen. Part of a backline that looked uncomfortable at times, exposed on transitions. Still showed promise with overlaps and energy, but not his sharpest display.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6/10 (or 7/10) Helped dominate midfield with class, assisting Ekitike's opener. More like his best self, but careless in possession at times—lost the ball dangerously once. Tireless work rate contributed to control.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7/10 (Man of the Match in many reports) Two goals in as many games. Brilliant volley for 3-0, rotated effectively in the No.10 role with Szoboszlai. Returning to top form—composed, creative, and clinical. A standout in midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister: We're happy with the result and need to keep improving.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7/10 Another strong showing from the No.8. Hardworking (though tiring late), assisted van Dijk's goal, and relieved not to be shifted to right-back. Dynamic runs and pressing added energy.

Cody Gakpo – 7/10 (or 6/10) Clinical finish for 4-1, assisted by Ekitike. Versatile and threatening, worked tirelessly across the front line.

Hugo Ekitike – 9/10 (Standout/MOTM) Sensational performance. Opened scoring, assisted Mac Allister and Gakpo, involved in four goals. Clinical finishing, intelligent link-up, and set-piece threat. Magic display inspiring the win.

Subs/Other Notes: Jeremie Frimpong (sub) – 7/10: Provided assist for OG. Others like Ngumoha added energy late.

West Ham Brief Ratings (for Context)

West Ham struggled defensively, especially at set-pieces. Key performers: Soucek (7/10, goal), Castellanos (7/10, goal), Fernandes (7/10, midfield drive). Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen (4-5/10) exposed. Disasi's OG proved costly.

Tactical Analysis and Implications

Liverpool's set-piece transformation—from earlier criticisms to three first-half goals—proved decisive. Slot's side exploited West Ham's weakness ruthlessly, netting from corners via Ekitike, van Dijk, and Mac Allister. However, defensive lapses (Soucek unmarked, Castellanos header) showed vulnerabilities, making the 5-2 scoreline flattering amid end-to-end chaos.

The win keeps Liverpool in the top-five hunt for Champions League spots, with momentum building. West Ham's relegation fears deepen, their set-piece issues glaring.

Slot post-match: "We've played better, but results matter. Set-pieces are improving—credit to the work."

This victory underscores Liverpool's resurgence: clinical attack, depth, and set-piece edge. With Ekitike shining and Mac Allister/Van Dijk back to form, the Reds look dangerous.