Liverpool vs West Ham United LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
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Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez netted a brilliant goal as his side romped to a 3-1 Premier League win over a dogged West Ham United side at Anfield on Sunday, deftly steering home a volley on the hour mark.
The visitors got off to a flying start when Tomas Soucek forced a brilliant save from Alisson with a downward header in the seventh minute, and two minutes later Michail Antonio headed a Soucek cross wide with the goal at his mercy.
But the Hammers were left to rue those early misses when Mohamed Salah was felled by Nayef Aguerd in the 15th minute for a stonewall penalty, and the Egyptian attacker stepped up to smash home the resulting spot kick to give Liverpool the lead.
That kick-started the home side, but West Ham still managed to level before the break when Jarrod Bowen dived at the feet of Virgil van Dijk to score with a superb low header for his fourth goal of the season.
The goal was eerily similar to the James Ward-Prowse strike that put them ahead against Manchester City a week ago, but once again it wasn’t enough to get them anything from the game.
After spurning a number of decent chances, Nunez finally got on the scoresheet when he latched on to a beautiful lofted pass from Alexis Mac Allister, much to the delight of the Anfield crowd.
That goal took the wind out of the Hammers’ sails and substitute Diogo Jota was able to hook home a third goal from Virgil van Dijk’s knockdown in the 85th minute, four minutes after coming off the bench.
The win leaves Liverpool in second spot in the table on 16 points, two behind leaders Manchester City, while West Ham are seventh on 10 points.
Liverpool vs West Ham United
Still, the Reds are on top and Jones makes a driving run through the middle. He decides to have another go from the edge of the box, but he fires this one straight at Aguerd.
Liverpool vs West Ham United
It's another good run between the two West Ham defenders by Nunez, and Szoboszlai tries to pick it out. It's just a bit heavy though, and Zouma is able to shield it back to the keeper.
Liverpool vs West Ham United
SAVE! Liverpool go more direct, with Gomez touching it through for Salah, who threads it into the box for Diaz. Areola is alert though, and rushes out to block it before the Colombian can get a touch.
Liverpool vs West Ham United
West Ham just can't get on the ball at the moment. They're still pressing high upfield, but Liverpool's confidence is up, and they're easily playing around them.
Liverpool vs West Ham United
SAVE! Again, West Ham are slow to close down, and Jones decides to try his luck from just outside the box. Zouma lazily sticks out a leg which sends the ball looping towards goal, and Areola takes no chances as he tips it onto the roof of the net.
Liverpool vs West Ham United
Salah finds himself in space down the right, and he manages to square it into the middle before he's closed down. He has Nunez in the middle, but Aguerd hooks it away.
Liverpool vs West Ham United
It's an outstanding run from Paqueta, who plays a one-two with Emerson on the left. He knocks it past Szoboszlai before skilfully flicking it over Mac Allister. The Argentinian has no option but to bring him down in the end.
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