Salah makes Premier League history as Liverpool go eight points clear – live

Mohamed Salah proved his worth to Liverpool yet again as he inspired them to a 5-0 win at West Ham.

The 32-year-old scored his 20th goal of the campaign in all competitions, becoming the first Reds player to hit that mark in eight consecutive seasons.

He also provided two assists, the first an audacious double nutmeg for Cody Gakpo’s goal and a second to tee up Diogo Jota for goal number five, all just three days before he will be free to start negotiating with overseas clubs about a potential move in the summer.

Trent Alexander Arnold, another of the three key players out of contract at the end of the season along with captain Virgil van Dijk, chipped in with the fourth, all after Luis Diaz had got the ball rolling for the rampant Reds.

Another comprehensive win for Arne Slot’s side, against a predictably outclassed West Ham, left them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and another step closer to a first title in five years.

Joe Gomez is set for a spell on the sidelines as Liverpool were hit by an injury blow during the 5-0 win over West Ham.

Gomez injured his hamstring and pulled up during a sprint in the first half. He was replaced by Jarell Quansah after signalling to come off.

The 27-year-old had been filling in for the injured Ibrahima Konate, who was been out since the win over Real Madrid last month.

But Gomez’s hamstring injury means Quansah is likely to be required alongside Virgil van Dijk against Manchester United on Sunday and leaves Liverpool with just two fit centre-backs heading into a busy month.

Arne Slot is asked whether Mohamed Salah is the best player in the world after reaching 17 goals and 13 assists for the season.

“If you look at his numbers, you can’t argue that, but there are different players in different leagues that have a lot of quality,” he told Sky.

“But Mo is definitely up there at the moment. He could have scored more today, but I also liked his work rate for the team without the ball.

“He’s in a very good place. Let’s hope he can stay like this for a long time.”

Mohamed Salah said he and Liverpool remain “far away” from agreeing a contract after inspiring the Reds to a 5-0 win at West Ham and continuing his remarkable season.

Salah scored and set up two more goals as Liverpool went eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, in what was his last match before he is able to talk to foreign clubs on January 1.

The 32-year-old has scored 17 Premier League goals and has made 13 assists in just 18 games this campaign, and has also now reached 20 goals in all competitions for the eight season in a row for Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah, speaking to Sky Sports:

“I’m glad for the result. We scored early and dominated the game, this is good. The first nutmeg I was lucky, the second one I did mean.”

On heading towards a Ballon d’Or season?

“The only thing in my mind is for Liverpool to win the league and be a part of that. I will do my best for us to win the trophy. We just need to stay focused and humble and go again.

“I’m just trying to enjoy the game. I’m disappointed with a few missed chances but we came here to win and that’s the most important thing. I’m always hungry for more.

Latest on his contract. Are we close to good news?

“We are far away from that but I don’t want to put something in the media. It’s nothing really, move on. I want Liverpool to win the Premier League.”

Arsenal and Chelsea still have to play this round, but that means Liverpool have currently played the same number of games as their London rivals.

The result is the Reds are nine points clear of Arsenal and 10 ahead of Chelsea. Their closest challengers are Nottingham Forest (eight behind), while Manchester City are 14 back.

It feels like Mohamed Salah is setting a new record every week this season. Is he heading for one of the best campaigns in Premier League history?

Next up for Liverpool and Mohamed Salah? They host 14th-placed Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday after putting six past Tottenham, three past Leicester and five past West Ham over Christmas.

It will be a happy new year for Liverpool as the move EIGHT points clear at the top of the table.

Boos from the remaining West Ham fans as they concede five to Liverpool for the second time this season.

90+3 mins: The away end is celebrating Liverpool entering 2025 at the top of the Premier League. Arne Slot’s team are going to take some stopping.

In the dying moments, Luis Guilherme’s strikes the post with a curling shot. West Ham have been thoroughly second best, but they have hit the post three times!