Liverpool's 5-2 win over West Ham masks underlying frailties

Liverpool’s 5‑2 win over West Ham was a statement on paper, with three first‑half goals from corners and an xG of 1.75 against West Ham’s 1.84. The scoreline masked a performance that relied heavily on set‑pieces and opportunism rather than sustained control.

Under Arne Slot, the club’s initial plan to emulate a PSG‑lite style has faltered, leaving defensive gaps in transition and a midfield that still struggles for balance. The team’s recent focus on dead‑ball efficiency shows a pragmatic pivot, but questions remain about whether Liverpool can reach the elite standard it once aimed for.