sports

Liverpool 5-2 West Ham: Set‑Piece Success, Elite Gap Remains

Liverpool's 5-2 victory over West Ham shows the team still falls short of elite standards, with a reliance on set pieces and underlying defensive frailties.

Liverpool's 5-2 win over West Ham was a statement of efficiency, with three first‑half goals from corners and an xG of 1.75 against West Ham's 1.84. The scoreline masked underlying frailties, as the team still struggled to dominate possession and control transitions.

Arne Slot's initial PSG‑lite vision has given way to a pragmatic approach, with nine set‑piece goals since January proving the new focus. Yet the lack of a natural defensive midfielder and persistent transition gaps show the side still falls below the club's elite standard.