Alexis Mac Allister scored Liverpool’s third goal of the first half with a stunning volley past the West Ham goalkeeper.
Liverpool’s dead-ball prowess was on full display at Anfield this afternoon as the Reds took a 3-0 lead against West Ham at half-time.
In a clinical opening 45 minutes, Arne Slott’s side showed exactly why they currently lead the Premier League for goals from set pieces.
The scoring was opened early by Hugo Ekitike. After an initial corner kick was headed clear by the Hammers defence, Ryan Gravenbirch showed great composure to play the ball for the Frenchman and made no mistake to score to calm the home crowd.
West Ham grew into the game even after conceding and looked threatening in attack, but Liverpool’s lead soon doubled.
Dominik Szoboszlai has been a revelation this season with his pitching, smashing a corner kick into the middle of the box. Virgil van Dijk rose above a sea of defenders and deftly guided the ball into the back of the goal to make it 2-0.
Alexis Mac Allister goal vs West Ham
But the highlight of the first half came just before the interval.
Mohamed Salah swung a corner kick and Van Dijk flicked it towards the back post. Ekitike showed great awareness and used a delicate touch to tee up the ball perfectly and give it to Alexis Mac Allister.
Without hesitation, the World Cup winner connected the dropped ball with a sensational first-time volley, sending it screaming past the goalkeeper. It was a purely technical quality goal and interrupted a dominant half of the football.
Look at the goals below.
Liverpool’s form is improving in 2026
This performance came at a critical time for the Reds.
After an eventful first half of the 2025/26 season, Liverpool’s form has improved markedly in 2026.
The Merseysiders currently sit sixth in the table, level on points with Chelsea, and are embroiled in a high-stakes battle with the Blues and Manchester United to get their season back on track.
With five Champions League places up for grabs this year, Slott’s side will be desperate to break into the top four spots to ensure Europe’s elite footballers return to Anfield.
If they can maintain this level of set-piece efficiency and clinical finishing, there is great potential for rapid improvement in the second half of the season.
