Premier League: Salah shines as Liverpool thrash West Ham 5-0

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored his 20th goal of the season and assisted two others as the Reds extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points with a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham on Sunday.

Liverpool had the game won at half-time, with Luis Diaz capitalising on a deflection to give Liverpool a deserved lead before Salah took over, producing some clever skill to tee up Cody Gakpo and then grab his landmark strike just before the break.

Salah’s only frustration was not to leave London with at least a hat-trick after wasting a string of second-half openings – but his fantastic form was again on show as he dribbled from his own half to play in Diogo Jota for Liverpool’s fifth.

Trent Alexander-Arnold had earlier seen a strike from distance divert in off Max Kilman on a night when nearly everything went Liverpool’s way.

EPL: Man City beat Leicester as N’Forest defeat Everton to go second

The win was a commanding victory which underlined Liverpool’s title-winning credentials and with Nottingham Forest way back in second, Arsenal nine points adrift and Chelsea 10 behind, the Reds go into the New Year with the Premier League crown firmly in their sights.

Salah has been central to the Premier League title charge, despite uncertainty around his contractual situation.

He has already surpassed his goal involvement totals for last season and has more goals and assists combined (52) than any player in Europe’s top leagues this term.

Liverpool have 45 points from 18 games with surprise package Nottingham Forest behind them on 37 having played a game more.

The Star