Liverpool maul West Ham 5-1 to reach League Cup semis

Image: Punch

Liverpool unleashed an emphatic 5-1 victory over West Ham on Wednesday, securing their place in the League Cup semi-finals and erasing the frustration from their weekend Premier League stalemate against Manchester United.

Curtis Jones took center stage with a brace, complemented by goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, and the prolific Mohamed Salah. Jurgen Klopp's dominant squad showcased their attacking prowess, joining Chelsea, Fulham, and Middlesbrough in the competition's last four.

With an illustrious history in the League Cup, having won it nine times, Liverpool started the onslaught early at Anfield. After an intense weekend clash where they fired 34 shots against Manchester United without finding the net, Liverpool unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, leaving West Ham struggling to respond.

Szoboszlai broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark, capitalizing on a mistake from Said Benrahma and launching a powerful shot into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Alphonse Areola helpless.

The home side continued their dominance, creating numerous chances. Gakpo narrowly missed doubling the lead, heading wide from a superb cross by Harvey Elliott. Liverpool had 11 shots in the first half compared to West Ham's zero.

The pattern persisted in the second half, with Liverpool dictating play and West Ham struggling to mount a response. Jones extended the lead in the 56th minute, firing the ball through Areola's legs at the near post.

Despite a brief moment of hope for West Ham as Jarrod Bowen pulled one back with a fine curling finish, Liverpool maintained control. Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Konate entered the fray as substitutes, and Gakpo added another goal, surging forward from a Konate assist.

Salah restored the three-goal margin, and Jones sealed his brace to complete the resounding 5-1 victory for Liverpool. Klopp's team showcased their firepower and determination, setting the stage for an exciting League Cup semi-final showdown.

Source: punchng.com/AFP

#Liverpool
#West Ham
#League Cup semis