Diogo Jota struck after just 97 seconds after a 4-0 move against Southampton on Saturday as Liverpool closed within a point of Premier League leaders Chelsea.
West Ham ended Liverpool’s long unbeaten run earlier this month, but they clicked back into gear with ease, scoring 10 goals in three matches without an answer since that loss.
Portugal forward Jota scored a first-half double at Anfield, with Thiago Alcantara adding a third, effectively ending the competition against his demoralized opponents eight minutes before half-time.
A goal from former Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk at the start of the second half underlined the home team’s dominance.
Jurgen Klopp’s team, which won the Premier League in 2020, has now scored 39 goals in 13 league games this season, nine more than Chelsea hosting Manchester United on Sunday.
After beating Porto 2–0 in midweek, Klopp returned to his strongest line-up thanks to Ralf Hausenhutl’s trip to Southampton and was rewarded with a goal within two minutes.
Andy Robertson combined well with Sadio Mane to the left and reached the byline to pull back for Jota, who scored from close range.
Mane’s ball was again in the net after being fouled by Jan Bednarek – the Senegalese forward led home which resulted in a Robertson free-kick – but the flag went up for offside.
Mohamed Salah passed but Southampton had a good chance of equalizing themselves when Armando Broja failed to beat goalkeeper Alisson Baker after capturing a careless Liverpool throw.
Jota doubled his tally in the 32nd minute after being cut out from the right side of Southampton.
Salah collected a clever return pass from Jordan Henderson to slide a low cross to Jota, who tapped home from close.
Midfielder Thiago scored two goals to nearly seal three points for Liverpool with a deflected shot eight minutes before half-time.
The free-scoring home side picked up where they left off after the break when Van Dijk scored against his former club, squeezing a low volley home after a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner.
Liverpool, who play Everton in the Merseyside derby in midweek, now have 28 points after 13 games after their eighth win of the season.
read all breaking news, breaking news And coronavirus news Here. follow us on Facebook, Twitter And Wire,
,