Liverpool
West Ham
Match Statistics
Confirmed Lineups
- 1 Alisson
- 2 Gomez J.
- 3 Konate I.
- 4 van Dijk V.
- 5 Kerkez M.
- 6 Gravenberch R.
- 7 Mac Allister A.
- 8 Salah M.
- 9 Szoboszlai D.
- 10 Gakpo C.
- 11 Ekitike H.
Substitutes
Chiesa F., Frimpong J., Jones C., Mamardashvili G., Ngumoha R., Nyoni T., Ramsay C., Robertson A., Woodman F.
- 1 Hermansen M.
- 2 Wan-Bissaka A.
- 3 Mavropanos K.
- 4 Disasi A.
- 5 Diouf M.
- 6 Magassa S.
- 7 Soucek T.
- 8 Fernandes M.
- 9 Bowen J.
- 10 Summerville C.
- 11 Castellanos T.
Substitutes
Areola A., Kante M., Kilman M., Mayers E., Scarles O., Todibo J., Traore A., Walker-Peters K., Wilson C., X
Liverpool vs West Ham Match Commentary
Liverpool vs West Ham Match Overview: 5-2 Premier League
The Liverpool vs West Ham Result delivered a seven-goal surge of noise, nerves and ruthless finishing as Liverpool powered to a 5-2 win on 28 February 2026. The Liverpool vs West Ham Scoreline was already tilting heavily by the break thanks to Hugo Ekitike’s early breakthrough, Virgil van Dijk’s towering header and a gorgeous Alexis Mac Allister volley, yet West Ham refused to disappear. Tomas Soucek pulled one back after the restart, only for Cody Gakpo to restore Liverpool’s cushion before Taty Castellanos briefly reignited the contest. Any lingering doubt was smothered late on when a West Ham own goal completed an evening that felt like a statement as much as a spectacle. This Liverpool vs West Ham Match Report tracks the momentum swings, the key interventions, and why the numbers tell a more nuanced story than the final margin.
First Half: Liverpool’s early punch and a three-goal roar
Anfield barely had time to settle when Liverpool struck. West Ham were still trying to find their defensive distances when Ryan Gravenberch slid a pass into the danger zone and Hugo Ekitike’s effort, helped on its way by a deflection, beat Mads Hermansen to set the tone. It was the kind of goal that changes the emotional temperature of a match: Liverpool’s press sharpened, the crowd rose, and West Ham suddenly had to play through a storm rather than around it.
West Ham did carry moments of threat—Jarrod Bowen’s bursts and Crysencio Summerville’s willingness to shoot forced Liverpool to stay honest—but the home side’s set-piece pressure kept returning like a tide. Dominik Szoboszlai’s deliveries asked questions again and again, and the answer at 24 minutes was emphatic: Virgil van Dijk climbed above the crowd and powered in a header that felt inevitable given the volume of corners.
At 2-0, Liverpool looked comfortable without being complacent. Mohamed Salah probed from the right, Mac Allister arrived in pockets to shoot, and Ekitike’s movement kept West Ham’s centre-backs turning. The third goal was the purest moment of the half: Ekitike teed up Mac Allister, who met the ball with a clean, confident volley into the top corner. At 3-0, it resembled a rout; West Ham, however, were still creating just enough to believe that one goal could shift the script.
Second Half: West Ham’s response, Liverpool’s killer instinct, and late chaos
West Ham came out with urgency and, crucially, found a foothold. Early in the second period, they capitalised on space and composure in the box, with Tomas Soucek tapping into an empty net after a move that briefly demanded a VAR check. The Liverpool vs West Ham Goals tally moved to 3-1, and the game’s mood changed instantly: West Ham’s midfield pressed higher, Liverpool’s back line had to defend transitions rather than simply recycle possession, and Alisson was called into action to preserve the advantage.
Liverpool, though, responded like a side that has learned how to absorb a wobble. Cody Gakpo missed a fine chance, but he kept arriving in the right areas, and at 70 minutes he got his reward. Ekitike again played provider, Gakpo struck from inside the area, and a deflection sent the ball beyond Hermansen for 4-1—another moment that punctured West Ham’s momentum just as it was building.
To their credit, West Ham refused to fold. Summerville forced a sharp save and then delivered the corner that Castellanos met with a brave, precise header into the roof of the net. At 4-2, the contest threatened to turn frantic, the sort of finish where one more goal changes everything.
Instead, the drama landed the other way. With Liverpool pushing for control rather than retreat, a late passage ended with Axel Disasi diverting the ball into his own net for 5-2. It was a cruel ending for West Ham’s resistance, but it also reflected Liverpool’s constant pressure: even when the visitors rallied, the next wave kept arriving.
Key Moments
- Ekitike opened the scoring early after Gravenberch’s pass, setting Liverpool’s tempo from the first exchanges.
- Van Dijk’s commanding header from a corner doubled the lead and underlined Liverpool’s set-piece edge.
- Mac Allister’s sensational volley made it 3-0 before half-time, a finish worthy of the occasion.
- Soucek’s second-half tap-in gave West Ham belief and briefly shifted the momentum of the match.
- Gakpo’s deflected strike restored Liverpool’s three-goal cushion just as West Ham threatened to surge.
- Disasi’s late own goal ended the contest definitively after West Ham had pulled back to 4-2.
For anyone searching Liverpool vs West Ham Highlights, this was a game of contrasting emotions: Liverpool’s early swagger, West Ham’s refusal to accept the script, and a finish that swung from tension to inevitability in the space of a few minutes.
Liverpool vs West Ham Stats Breakdown
The Liverpool vs West Ham Stats paint a fascinating picture behind the score. West Ham edged possession (49% to 51%) and matched Liverpool on big chances (2-2), while the xG analysis suggests a closer contest than the 5-2 suggests: Liverpool posted 1.84 expected goals to West Ham’s 1.85. That contrast tells its own story—Liverpool were clinical and benefitted from decisive deflections and an own goal, while West Ham’s promising moments were often met by timely blocks or Alisson’s assurance.
Liverpool’s volume was clear: 18 total shots to West Ham’s 11, and 10 corners to 5, with 34 touches in the opposition box. West Ham, meanwhile, were not passive; they recorded 31 touches in Liverpool’s area and forced three saves from Alisson, including an important stop from Mateus Fernandes when the match still had an edge. Discipline was similar (two yellow cards each), and the duel count (46-49) showed West Ham competed physically even as Liverpool found more decisive moments in both boxes.
In full-time analysis terms, Liverpool’s attacking variety—set pieces, quick combinations through Ekitike, and wide threat via Salah—made them difficult to contain for long spells. West Ham’s best work came when they pushed higher and attacked the second ball, but every time they sparked, Liverpool had an answer.
Liverpool vs West Ham Lineups
Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo; Hugo Ekitike.
West Ham XI (4-3-2-1): Mads Hermansen; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Axel Disasi, El Hadji Malick Diouf; Soungoutou Magassa, Tomas Soucek, Mateus Fernandes; Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville; Taty Castellanos.
Notable substitutions: Jeremie Frimpong for Joe Gomez; Rio Ngumoha for Hugo Ekitike; Trey Nyoni for Ryan Gravenberch. West Ham introduced Adama Traore and later Mohamadou Kante and Ezra Mayers as they chased the game.
Player of the Match
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool). The headline numbers belong to the scorers, but Ekitike’s influence ran through Liverpool’s best periods. He opened the scoring, linked play intelligently, and provided the assist for Mac Allister’s volley as well as the pass that preceded Gakpo’s crucial fourth. In a match that kept trying to tilt into chaos, his decisions in the final third repeatedly restored Liverpool’s clarity.
What the Result Means
This Liverpool vs West Ham Analysis starts with the obvious: Liverpool’s firepower turned a competitive contest into a convincing win, and a 5-2 Premier League match report rarely arrives without consequences for confidence and momentum. For Liverpool, it was the kind of night that reinforces belief in their attacking depth and set-piece threat—especially when West Ham’s second-half push demanded a response.
For West Ham, the scoreline hurts, but the performance offered enough to build on: they created chances, kept the ball, and showed they can hurt top sides when their attacking midfielders run at defenders. The challenge now is turning those spells into control, and reducing the small moments—deflections, set-piece lapses, and late misfortune—that decide games at this level.
As for “Liverpool match today” or “West Ham match today” searches, this one will be remembered less for a single swing and more for how quickly it kept changing shape, right up until the final minutes.
The match has just finished.
90+6'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) takes the corner, but one of the defenders reacts well and rises highest to head the ball away.
90+6'
A pass into the penalty area from Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) is intercepted by the defence.
90+5'
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham) takes the corner, but it's intercepted by the defender.
90+2'
Close! Trey Nyoni (Liverpool) picks up the ball in space and from inside the penalty area sends a shot narrowly over the bar. The ball goes out of play and West Ham will have a goal kick.
90'
7 min. of stoppage-time to be played.
90'
Substitution. El Hadji Malick Diouf did his best and is replaced by Ezra Mayers (West Ham).
90'
Nuno Espirito Santo has decided to make a change. Mohamadou Kante (West Ham) replaces Tomas Soucek.
87'
Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) had time and space inside the box after picking up a neat pass, but his shot towards the middle of the goal was easily saved by Mads Hermansen.
86'
Substitution. Ryan Gravenberch walks off the pitch and Trey Nyoni (Liverpool) comes on as a substitute.
85'
The foul by Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) is worthy of a card and a yellow is duly shown by Tim Robinson.
82'
5 - 2
What bad luck! Axel Disasi (West Ham) got in the way of a pass and unintentionally sent the ball past his own goalkeeper. The score is 5:2.
82'
An accurate pass to the edge of the box is well taken by Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), whose instinctive shot towards goal flashes inches wide of the left post.
81'
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham) sends in a shot from a promising distance after a precise pass. His effort goes inches over the crossbar. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Liverpool.
79'
Tim Robinson shows a yellow card to Crysencio Summerville (West Ham) for his blatant foul.
78'
Tomas Soucek (West Ham) controls a nice low pass and shoots from just outside the box, but it's a poor effort that flies into the stands. Wasted opportunity!
77'
Arne Slot has decided to introduce fresh legs, with Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool) replacing Joe Gomez.
76'
The referee allows time for a substitution. Hugo Ekitike will be replaced by Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool).
76'
Substitution. Soungoutou Magassa is replaced by Adama Traore (West Ham).
75'
4 - 2
Taty Castellanos (West Ham) meets the corner and displays his eye for goal as he coolly plants a header into the roof of the net from close range. The score is 4:2.
75'
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) will take the corner.
75'
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham) takes the ball, nicely zig-zags through the defence, but his shot to the top of the net is smartly dealt with by Alisson. It will be a corner kick for West Ham.
72'
Taty Castellanos (West Ham) makes a rough challenge and Tim Robinson blows his whistle for a foul.
70'
4 - 1
Goal! Hugo Ekitike plays it to Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), whose deflected shot from inside the box goes past the helpless Mads Hermansen. 4:1.
70'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) steps up to take the corner, but the ball just sails in among the defenders.
69'
Joe Gomez (Liverpool) fails to send a pass into the box as his effort is cut out. The ball is out of play. A goal-scoring opportunity from a corner for Liverpool.
66'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) skips perfectly past challenges but misdirects his shot from the edge of the box. The ball flies a few yards over the bar.
65'
Mateus Fernandes (West Ham) gets into a good scoring position. He creates some space for himself and tries his luck from distance. His decent effort towards the bottom left corner is, however, superbly saved by Alisson!
63'
A dangerous looking corner kick from Crysencio Summerville (West Ham) is cleared to safety by the defence.
61'
Milos Kerkez (Liverpool) attempts to find one of his teammates inside the box with a chip pass, but one of the defending players reacts superbly and intercepts the ball.
59'
Tim Robinson blows his whistle after Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) kicks an opponent's legs instead of the ball.
55'
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) is awarded a yellow card for his tackle. He doesn't seem to agree with the decision, but Tim Robinson ignores the protests.
54'
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) misses a great chance after he found some space in the box! His effort goes inches wide of the left post.
52'
Tim Robinson blows his whistle. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) commits a foul after dangerous play.
50'
The West Ham players halt their celebrations as referee Tim Robinson makes the VAR signal to review the goal, most likely to ascertain if there was an offside in the build-up play.
49'
3 - 1
Goal! El Hadji Malick Diouf passes the ball to the feet of Tomas Soucek (West Ham), who has an empty net in front of him and has no problems in tapping the ball in. 3:1.
46'
The second half has just started.
45+4'
That is it for the first half after the referee blows his whistle and the players head to their respective dressing rooms.
45+2'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) swings in the corner, but it's comfortably cleared away.
45'
Joe Gomez (Liverpool) unleashed a monstrous piledriver. He controlled a pass, glanced up at goal and shot from the edge of the box. It could have been a difficult one for the keeper, but the ball fortunately hit one of the defenders and ball bounced away.
45'
There will be a minimum of 4 min. of added time.
45'
Tim Robinson shows a yellow card to Soungoutou Magassa (West Ham), who isn't surprised as the tackle was really hard and late.
43'
3 - 0
It's a goal! Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) shows off his superb ability as he volleys the ball from inside the box into the top left corner. The assist goes to Hugo Ekitike and the score changes to 3:0.
43'
A good clearance by a defender means the corner comes to nothing for Liverpool.
43'
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) picks up a pass inside the box and finds some space for a shot before unleashing a low drive goalwards, but one of the defending players blocks his effort. Now Liverpool have a corner.
40'
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) meets a brilliant cross on the edge of the box and fires the ball towards the middle of the goal, but one of the defending players reacts superbly and blocks the effort.
38'
Half-chance! Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) plays a pass into the box, but Alisson reacts well to snuff out the attack.
38'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) sends a wonderful cross from the corner kick. However, the defence works perfectly to clear the ball and avert the threat.
37'
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) tries to send a low pass into the box, but it's blocked and cleared.
36'
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham) received a pass inside the box and sent a dangerous shot in on goal, but keep the champagne on ice as one of the defenders stepped in and blocked the effort. It's hard to say whether the keeper would have stopped it.
35'
The defence is alert as they clear a dangerous cross from Crysencio Summerville (West Ham).
33'
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) times his run too early and the linesman raises his flag for offside.
31'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) gets on the end of a pass and takes a shot from the edge of the box, but it's blocked by one of the defending players.
31'
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) came close to scoring but should have done much better. His poor attempt from close range ended up in the gloves of Alisson.
29'
Mateus Fernandes (West Ham) was too fierce in his attempt to get the ball from his opponent and Tim Robinson blows for a foul.
26'
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) commits a rough challenge and Tim Robinson blows his whistle for an infringement.
24'
2 - 0
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) outjumps the defence inside the six-yard box to meet the corner and scores with a great header into the right side of the goal. The keeper had no chance to react. The score is now 2:0.
24'
There's an opportunity for Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) to deliver the ball into the box from a corner.
24'
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) swings in the corner kick, but one of the defenders leaps highest to head the ball away. The referee points to the corner flag. It's a corner to Liverpool.
23'
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) steps up to take the corner. He launches the ball into the penalty area, but it only finds the head of an opposing player who clears the danger. The ball goes out of play. Liverpool are awarded a corner kick.
20'
Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) latches on to a precise defence-splitting pass and fires a nice strike from a promising distance towards the bottom right corner. Mads Hermansen has a clear sight of it and makes a comfortable save.
15'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) puts a dangerous cross into the box, but the corner is cleared by the first man.
15'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) goes on a solo run, but he fails to create a chance as an opposition player blocks him. The ball is out of play. Liverpool will have a chance to score from a corner.
12'
Tim Robinson blows for a foul after Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) was too aggressive in the battle for the ball.
12'
Konstantinos Mavropanos (West Ham) wins the ball from the resulting corner but blazes it well over the bar.
12'
West Ham failed to take advantage of the corner as the opposition's defence was alert and averted the threat.
12'
Konstantinos Mavropanos (West Ham) leaps highest to meet the resulting corner and attempts to head home, but the effort goes harmlessly wide of the left post.
11'
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) will take a corner kick.
7'
Tim Robinson couldn't ignore the rough tackle by Joe Gomez (Liverpool) and blew his whistle.
5'
1 - 0
Goal! Ryan Gravenberch plays it to Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), whose deflected shot from inside the box goes past the helpless Mads Hermansen. 1:0.
5'
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) takes the corner kick and sends the ball among a huddle of players inside the penalty area, but one of the defenders clears it to safety.
5'
Milos Kerkez (Liverpool) produces a quality cross into the box, but the opposition's defence intercepts the ball and spanks it away. Corner kick. Liverpool will have an opportunity.
3'
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) finds himself in a promising position after receiving a clever chip pass, but one of the defending players comes up with a timely interception.
1'
The players are out at last! Liverpool will take the kick-off.
1'
Today's match has just started, enjoy the game!
Tim Robinson is introduced as the referee for today's match.
Show lineups
The starting lineups for this match have been revealed.
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