Liverpool kept up the pace in the race for Champions League qualification as they survived a chaotic clash with West Ham at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side had appeared on course for a comfortable victory when they surged into a 3-0 lead before the interval, striking twice more from corners to add to Hugo Ekitike’s early opener from a set-piece. But Tomas Soucek pegged them back and instilled a nervous energy around Anfield, which resurfaced after Taty Castellanos responded swiftly to a fourth for the home side from Cody Gakpo.
An own goal from Axel Disasi killed the contest for good, though, leaving West Ham still in real relegation strife despite another positive performance in some ways. For Liverpool, meanwhile, a five-goal showing was welcome after some recent struggles in the final third, with Slot’s side sitting fifth ahead of Sunday’s Premier League action.
Follow all the latest from Anfield with our live blog below:
Liverpool vs West Ham live
- Liverpool beat West Ham in the Premier League
- Hosts go fifth after surviving chaotic clash at Anfield as visitors remain in bottom three
- GOAL! LIVERPOOL 5-2 West Ham (Axel Disasi own goal, 82 minutes)
- GOAL! Liverpool 4-2 WEST HAM (Taty Castellanos, 75 minutes)
- GOAL! LIVERPOOL 4-1 West Ham (Cody Gakpo, 69 minutes)
- GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 WEST HAM (Tomas Soucek, 49 minutes)
- GOAL! LIVERPOOL 3-0 West Ham (Alexis Mac Allister, 43 minutes)
- GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-0 West Ham (Virgil van Dijk, 24 minutes)
- GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1-0 West Ham (Hugo Ekitike, 6 minutes)
How Liverpool turned their set-piece weakness into a strength to brush West Ham aside
Saturday 28 February 2026 18:43 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldThis was the sort of scoreline Liverpool might have envisaged posting rather more often when they spent nine-figure sums on the attacking talents of Alexander Isak. Except that, as they scored five times in a league game for the first time since clinching the title by demolishing Tottenham, the two £100m men were absent, both injured.
They didn’t need the German’s creativity to be prolific, or the Swede’s speed. Rather, they may have underlined one of Arne Slot’s mantras. During their autumnal slump, the Liverpool head coach said that unlocking a defence often involved a moment of magic or a set-piece. Well as Hugo Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai played, Liverpool were not magical. But the team who were statistically the worst in the division at set-pieces in the first half of the season may now be officially the best. Directly or indirectly, they scored from three before the break.
How Liverpool turned their set-piece weakness into a strength to brush West Ham aside
Elsewhere...
Saturday 28 February 2026 17:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleMeanwhile, Burnley have just been denied a late equaliser against Brentford due to an Ashley Barnes handball - that goal was overturned by VAR, and the hosts aren’t too happy at Turf Moor. Some game, that, with Burnley coming back from 3-0 down to level and briefly lead before another VAR intervention, allowing Brentford to escape with a 4-3 win.
Plenty of action, too, at St James’s Park - Everton continue their good away from with a 3-2 success against Newcastle.
FT: Liverpool 5-2 West Ham
Saturday 28 February 2026 17:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleAn imperfect performance, then, from Liverpool, but five goals and three points are most certainly not to be sniffed at. West Ham can count themselves a little unfortunate, as our man at the ground notes, yet you can’t really afford to concede two such soft goals from corners in the first half and expect to come back to earn a point.
Arne Slot with a familiar goal haul against West Ham
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:58 , Luke BakerFinal thoughts from Richard Jolly, at Anfield
“Liverpool go fifth as, for the third time in Arne Slot's reign, they have scored five in a game against West Ham.
“Nuno Espirito Santo's team won the xG, but that may not be of much consolation...”
FULL TIME: Liverpool 5-2 West Ham
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Liverpool 5-2 West Ham, 90 + 7 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleInto the last knockings.
Liverpool 5-2 West Ham, 90 + 5 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleLiverpool push again for another. Mohamed Salah is desperate for a goal, ignoring Cody Gakpo perhaps in a better position to go it alone. Gakpo’s wry smile reveals his understanding of the Egyptian’s plight as the wait for his goal continues.
Liverpool 5-2 West Ham, 90 + 2 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleNearly a Liverpool sixth! Trey Nyoni is the man with the chance, and he should do better, leaning back in his excitement at a fine opportunity and troubling the fans beyond the goal.
Liverpool 5-2 West Ham, 90 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleSeven goals in the game, seven minutes of stoppage time. Mohamadou Kante replaces Tomas Soucek.
Liverpool 5-2 West Ham, 89 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleInto the final few minutes. There will be a bit of stoppage time after four second-half goals, and Nuno Espirito Santo looks to be readying a couple of alterations, too. It’s Fulham next up for West Ham on Wednesday night.
Liverpool 5-2 West Ham, 86 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleRyan Gravenberch takes leave for Liverpool as Trey Nyoni comes on in midfield.
Liverpool 5-2 West Ham, 83 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:45 , Harry Latham-CoylePlenty of entertainment for everyone at Anfield, but the West Ham fans have finally decided its time to head home having done a little bit of Hokey Cokey on the concourses earlier. Impressive spirit shown by Nuno Espirito Santo’s side but they left themselves with too much to do.
Liverpool reach rare milestone
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:44 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldA stat from Richard Jolly, at Anfield.
“This is the first time Liverpool have scored five times in a league game since they beat Tottenham last April to clinch the title.”
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 5-2 West Ham (Axel Disasi own goal, 82 minutes)
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleA fifth for Liverpool - off a West Ham leg!
Chasing a late fightback, the visitors throw men forward and are then exposed down the right. Jeremie Frimpong tries to pick out Mohamed Salah, Axel Disasi intervenes, and Mads Hermansen is wrongfooted.
Liverpool 4-2 West Ham, 80 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleJust over the bar! Crysencio Summerville comes close to a third goal for West Ham, singing the topside of the woodwork with a well-struck effort.
Liverpool 4-2 West Ham, 79 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleCrysencio Summerville goes into the referee’s book for a foul on Jeremie Frimpong about six yards from the byline over on the right. Mohamed Salah swings it in...straight into the arms of Mads Hermansen.
Slot doesn't want to overwork Gomez and Ekitike
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:38 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“The first appearance in a month for a fit-again Jeremie Frimpong,” says Richard Jolly, at Anfield.
“Off go Joe Gomez and Hugo Ekitike, two players who Slot does not want to overwork for fear they will get injured.”
Liverpool 4-2 West Ham, 76 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleChanges for both teams. Adama Traore steps in for Soungoutou Magassa for West Ham as they search for a late fightback, while Rio Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong replace Hugo Ekitike and Joe Gomez.
GOAL! Liverpool 4-2 WEST HAM (Taty Castellanos, 75 minutes)
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother twist? Alisson fails to deal with a corner and Taty Castellanos heads in!
It looks a simple finish on first view for the West Ham striker, but that’s really cannily done, an awkward bounce in front of him dealt with well to divert past Ryan Gravenberch on the line. Just when you thought they were totally out of it...
Liverpool 4-1 West Ham, 74 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleWest Ham have had their chances. Another very fine save from Alisson at full strength denies Crysencio Summerville.
A response from Gakpo
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:33 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“Cody Gakpo missed a sitter a quarter of an hour ago and has become something of a scapegoat for fans,” says Richard Jolly, at Anfield.
“That is a response of sorts, his first goal in eight games, even if it did involve a deflection. And it may justify Arne Slot's decision to pick him ahead of Rio Ngumoha, too.”
Liverpool 4-1 West Ham, 72 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’ll calm the nerves that had coursed around Anfield since Tomas Soucek’s goal. Adama Traore will soon be with us - the West Ham replacement is stripped and ready.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 4-1 West Ham (Cody Gakpo, 69 minutes)
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat will seal it! Cody Gakpo makes certain of victory!
Aaron Wan-Bissaka gets himself in a muddle, backing off and backing off and inviting Gakpo to cut inside on his right foot. A peck off the leg of Tomas Soucek helps the shot on its way into the back of the net - a pleasing goal, no doubt, for the Dutchman after some tough times of late.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 68 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleDiouf is helped out by a retreating Crysencio Summerville, tracking back to concede a corner after Joe Gomez had overlapped.
Mohamed Salah delivers and Axel Disasi rises high to win a strong defensive header.
Liverpool don't have control
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:28 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldMore from our Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly at Anfield.
“Liverpool don't have a great deal of control in this game. Indeed, they aren't really trying to have it. That should allow West Ham some hope.
“Matheus Fernandes has just tested Alisson with a long-range shot and the Liverpool keeper has played well so far.”
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 67 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleSalah has felt on the periphery a little again for Liverpool today, his goal drought continuing. El Hadji Malick Diouf has done a good job with him, it should be said.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 65 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleNo changes yet to either side, though they cannot be far away. Alexis Mac Allister is thrown to the floor by Mateus Fernandes but advantage is played, allowing Liverpool to plough on. Mohamed Salah fails to find the target with his effort, though.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 64 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleAaron Wan-Bissaka retrieves a cross that sails over the Liverpool box and reloads, allowing Mateus Fernandes to fire a shot on goal. Alisson does well to hold it with a couple of would-be scavengers waiting to feed on any carrion.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 62 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s a degree of anxious energy around Anfield, and the Liverpool side, which has been a theme of the season. This should feel more straightforward, surely? It feels very, very open at the moment.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 60 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleLoose stuff at the back from Liverpool, and looser still from West Ham, failing to capitalise on Ibrahima Konate’s error.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 59 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe travelling West Ham fans lift the volume, hoping to impel their team back into the game a bit after that early second half rally. There is still, of course, a heck of a lot to do.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 57 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleWill Liverpool rue not taking those chances? Cody Gakpo looks to have moved into a more central role briefly, with Hugo Ekitike sliding wider to the left.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 55 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAppeals for a Liverpool penalty as Hugo Ekitike first goes around Konstantinos Mavropanos and then goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, but he goes down a little too easily, and is perhaps fortunate not to be booked for diving.
Tim Robinson does, though, go to his pocket when Cody Gakpo hauls back Mateus Fernandes.
Comeback or consolation?
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:15 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“Tomas Soucek has done the double of scoring against Manchester United and Liverpool this month,” says Richard Jolly, on the ground at Anfield.
“The start of a comeback or a consolation? West Ham had something of a threat in the first half. They just didn't defend well enough.”
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 54 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleHow has Cody Gakpo missed?!? It’s a sitter, just six yards out, but a big swing of the left leg shins the ball wide.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 52 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleA superb pass from Ryan Gravenberch springs Hugo Ekitike, who rather curiously chooses not to shoot to instead search for Dominik Szoboszlai. He fails to find him.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham, 50 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack come the West Ham fans now with some life restored to their side. If they can get another soon...
GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 WEST HAM (Tomas Soucek, 49 minutes)
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleHope for West Ham! Tomas Soucek plants it home!
Jarrod Bowen picks the ball up on the right and Liverpool fail to deal with his cross. El-Hadji Malick Diouf zips it back across and Soucek, such a proficient goalscorer, is there to knock it in.
Was Bowen onside, though? VAR will have a look...goal stands! Liverpool are pegged back.
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham, 47 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere are a fair few empty seats in the away end, perhaps some of those who departed earlier are already making tracks having seen enough.
Second half...
Saturday 28 February 2026 16:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleIs there any hope for West Ham at 3-0 down? They’ve played pretty well at times, but they’ll want to get one back quickly. Back underway with no changes to either side.
Elsewhere...
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere are goals right around the grounds in the 3pm slate. Burnley have got one back on the stroke of half time against Brentford but still trail 3-1, while Everton are 2-1 up at Newcastle.
HT: Liverpool 3-0 West Ham
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleLiverpool have contrived to throw a couple of games away this season but this one already seems beyond doubt. The hosts began with real purpose and struck early through Hugo Ekitike, and while West Ham have threatened a times, two goals from corner kicks have surely left them with too much to do with Liverpool in total control.
HALF TIME: Liverpool 3-0 West Ham
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham, 45 + 4 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s poor from West Ham. A free kick gives them a chance to load the edge of the Liverpool box in stoppage time but there is a foul soon after the set-piece is struck. Back they all trudge.
Liverpool break new ground
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:47 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“This is only the second time Liverpool have scored three in a first half this season, and the first they have gone 3-0 up before the break,” says Richard Jolly, our man on the ground at Anfield.
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham, 45 + 1 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlmost a first Joe Gomez goal! The defender has never scored at senior level but flashes a shot past the post via a deflection. It’ll come one day, surely?
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham, 44 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleA number of West Ham fans head from their seats, probably in search of a pint and a pie rather than a train home at this stage. Soungoutou Magassa is booked for a pull-back.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 3-0 West Ham (Alexis Mac Allister, 43 minutes)
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleBut West Ham’s task just got taller! Another goal from a set piece and a brilliant finish from Alexis Mac Allister!
It’s Mohamed Salah’s delivery that this time causes problems, and Mac Allister capitalises after strong work from Hugo Ekitike. Three goals, and three points, you’d think, sewn up before the interval.
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, 41 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleNuno Espirito Santo strokes his chin, considering his options. There’s been enough in this half’s performance to suggest that West Ham can turn this around but he has got options in Adama Traore, Callum Wilson and co on the bench.
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, 38 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother fluent passing move from West Ham works the ball forward with speed, but it just runs out of steam and accuracy on the edge of the Liverpool box.
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, 36 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleSmothered by Alisson! A good chance for Tomas Soucek, turning goalwards from close range - in fact, he didn’t manage to get a touch on it, with Ibrahima Konate instead diverting towards his own goal. Regardless, sharp work from the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, 35 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleTomas Soucek reaches one of his long legs out to try and corral a pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but can’t quite manage it, worrying a little as he was about Virgil van Dijk’s looming presence.
Liverpool then give the ball away in their own half, Ryan Gravenberch guilty of passing blindly and Jarrod Bowen nipping in. They scramble well, though, and crowd him out.
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, 32 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleAppeals from a penalty from the away end as Taty Castellanos goes over near Ibrahima Konate and...well, that’s a dive. A pretty shoddy one, too. The West Ham striker is fortunate to escape punishment.
'Others may have cleverer corner routines...'
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:32 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldHere’s more from Rich Jolly at Anfield.
“A second goal in three games for Virgil van Dijk. Others may have cleverer corner routines. Liverpool aim inswingers at a very tall man, who heads them in. It has worked rather well in 2026.”
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, 30 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleYikes! So nearly a burglary from Jarrod Bowen, showing real desire and intelligence to get in the passing lane of Alisson and block. It could go anywhere; it ends up back with the goalkeeper, much to his relief.
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, 29 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWest Ham had done really well to re-establish themselves in the game after that early Hugo Ekitike opener, but that header has taken the wind from their sails.
Liverpool attack again. Milos Kerkez swings in a sublime ball from the left but Ekitike is a little too physical with Axel Disasi for the referee’s liking.
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, 27 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleNo such issues for Arne Slot, of course, who may be hoping for a slightly calmer afternoon after the late drama lasst weekend.
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, 26 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe concession of that goal will really frustrate Nuno Espirito Santo. There is plenty of height in the West Ham side but they just didn’t look comfortable in that passage of corners.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-0 West Ham (Virgil van Dijk, 24 minutes)
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThird time lucky! A commanding header from Virgil van Dijk converts another superb Dominik Szoboszlai delivery, rising highest and using his burl to keep the West Ham bodies away.
A fifth goal of the campaign from the Liverpool captain to put his side in control at Anfield.
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham, 23 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleRepeat corners as Virgil van Dijk is squeezed out by Tomas Soucek. Ooh - was that an effort on goal? I think it was from Dominik Szoboszlai, trying to find the near post and seemingly on course if not for Jarrod Bowen’s touch.
Another set piece.
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham, 22 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleJarrod Bowen links up with Crysencio Summerville, but the West Ham wide-man is a little short of options and, eventually, ideas.
Liverpool break, but Hugo Ekitike is dispossessed. The hosts reload and Cody Gakpo looks for the byline, earning a corner.
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham, 21 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleTop stop from Mads Hermansen! Ryan Gravenberch bends one around a body or two and the West Ham keeper is forced to sprawl to his left to keep it out.
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham, 18 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is a definite brightness to West Ham’s play, which has been true across the recent run that has given them hope of survival. Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville finding form has really taken some of the load off Jarrod Bowen, and it’s that former pair that are doing much of the illustrating here.
Liverpool just starting to feel a little bit of pressure.
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham, 16 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleWest Ham break with speed after Disasi’s clearance, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka tries to be too cute and find Jarrod Bowen rather than shoot, ending the opportunity.
A good zip to this game early on.
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham, 15 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleStrong defending from Axel Disasi, tracking back to get to Mohamed Salah after West Ham had been caught a little short. Disasi celebrates the tackle, perhaps a little too enthusiastically, though then wins the header after the corner comes in.
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham, 14 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee Tim Robinson is the target of the home fans’ frustration after Ryan Gravenberch is deemed to have fouled Mateus Fernandes. It looked a foul, in truth.
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham, 13 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleBetter again from West Ham, Mateus Fernandes getting on the ball and interchanging neatly with Tomas Soucek. Crysencio Summerville, revitalised of late, draws a corner off of Joe Gomez.
It’s another decent ball in, but Hugo Ekitike heads away and the follow up is wild and wayward. Goal kick.
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham, 11 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleA first real foray forward from the visitors, and they earn a corner. Jarrod Bowen delivers...out for a goal kick off a West Ham head.
Clinical from Ekitike to grant Slot's wish
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:08 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldHere’s the latest from our Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly, who is at Anfield today
“Hugo Ekitike has been guilty of a few glaring misses in recent games but that was a clinical finish. Slot said yesterday he wanted more goals from his forwards. That was Ekitike's 16th goal of the season and his 11th in the Premier League.”
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham, 8 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleAfter plenty of toil before that latest of late winners against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool have just looked purposeful from the minute they stepped out at Anfield today. West Ham have barely had a kick in these opening skirmishes.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1-0 West Ham (Hugo Ekitike, 6 minutes)
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s the opener! Just reward for a fast start from Liverpool as Hugo Ekitike fires home!
West Ham twice head the ball away following the corner but fail to fully clear, and Ryan Gravenberch sets up Ekitike. A stern strike takes a flick off Konstantinos Mavropanos and rifles past Mads Hermansen. Another fine finish, taken at real speed, from a player enjoying a fine season.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham, 5 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleMilos Kerkez gets forward and earns a corner off the legs of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham, 4 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleMohamed Salah looks lively. Nine games without a goal will frustrate him more than anyone - does that run end today?
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham, 2 minutes
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleA bright start from the hosts, plenty of energy in the early press. Mohamed Salah looks to combine with Szoboszlai, who makes a top run, but the pass runs through to Mads Hermansen.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham, 1 minute
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleAs expected, it looks like Dominik Szoboszlai will be given that freer role in midfield for Liverpool in the absence of Florian Wirtz. He’s been excellent this year, the Hungarian, and you’d think this should allow him to have more influence.
KICK OFF!
Saturday 28 February 2026 15:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleUp and running at Anfield.
Liverpool vs West Ham
Saturday 28 February 2026 14:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, it’s time for action. A straightforward home wins? Or more reason for optimism in West Ham’s battle for survival? Given Liverpool’s season, perhaps we should expect a late show either way...
Liverpool vs West Ham
Saturday 28 February 2026 14:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleAfter seemingly months of miserable weather, brighter times appear to be ahead but it’s not yet that warm on Merseyside. It is dry, though, with sun dappling parts of Anfield as kick off nears.
Top five chase ramps up
Saturday 28 February 2026 14:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleAston Villa’s shock defeat to Wolves last night has livened up the chase for Champions League places even more, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all now nipping at the heels of a team that were once talking of a title race. Though Chelsea face a tough trip to Arsenal tomorrow, three points are surely a must for Liverpool today.
Liverpool confirm profit boost after title triumph as wage bill soars
Saturday 28 February 2026 14:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleLiverpool were, however, in profit last year - though not perhaps by as much as they might have hoped after a title triumph....
Liverpool confirm profit boost after title triumph as wage bill soars
Arne Slot defends Liverpool’s summer signings: ‘£450m very well spent’
Saturday 28 February 2026 14:30 , Richard JollyArne Slot has launched into a defence of Liverpool’s record spending spree by declaring they bought “great” players who will be a “big, big, big success” at Anfield and insisting they did very well with their money.
Liverpool spent £450m last summer, more than any English club had ever paid out in one transfer window, and broke first their own transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz for £100m and then the British record to buy Alexander Isak for £125m.
Liverpool began the weekend only sixth in the Premier League, despite their huge outlay, with Isak, who is currently out with a broken leg, scoring just three goals in 17 games for the club.
Arne Slot defends Liverpool’s summer signings: ‘£450m very well spent’
Liverpool and the curse of the seven right-backs
Saturday 28 February 2026 14:20 , Luke BakerAlas, not an Enid Blyton story but a reality for Liverpool this season...
Trent Alexander-Arnold had always looked irreplaceable, with no successor likely to be able to duplicate his remarkable passing range and pinpoint crossing. But Jeremie Frimpong’s three hamstring injuries have made the transition even tougher.
Frimpong’s latest return to fitness means that today, for the first time in a month, Liverpool will be able to call upon a right-back who actually is a right-back - will wonders never cease?
Read Richard Jolly’s assessment of the bizarre situation
Nuno Espirito Santo explains goalkeeping shake-up
Saturday 28 February 2026 14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleNuno Espirito Santo says Mads Hermansen has earned his second chance at being first-choice goalkeeper at West Ham.
Hermansen, a £20million summer buy from Leicester, endured a torrid start to his Hammers career and was eventually dropped by previous boss Graham Potter and replaced by Alphonse Areola.
But Nuno recalled Hermansen three matches ago and has been rewarded with two clean sheets - the first since he took charge - and five points to boost their survival bid.
"I think he's getting confident, he has the confidence of his team-mates and he has the confidence of our coaching staff," said Nuno.
"I think inside of the group of goalkeepers they are helping each other very, very much to try and make us a better team and Mads is doing well. Credit to him.
"He was patient to wait for his chance. He never stopped working, preparing himself. The chance came and I think he's delivering.
"It's not only about the goalkeeper. I think it has a lot to do with the way we defend set-pieces. We are improving.
"It requires a lot of individual focus, determination to go and head the ball in the right moment, to stop and contain difficult opponents, to try and solve what's happening these days - it's almost like wrestling inside the six-yard box.
"All these things I think we have improved, which helps the task of the goalkeeper."
Mohamed Salah backed to break longest goal drought of Liverpool career
Saturday 28 February 2026 14:00 , Richard JollyArne Slot has insisted Mohamed Salah will soon start scoring again as he insisted he is not concerned by the longest Premier League goal drought of the Egyptian’s Liverpool career.
Salah has not struck in his last nine top-flight appearances, with his most recent goal in the division coming on 1 November against Aston Villa.
But Slot pointed to the 33-year-old’s FA Cup penalty against Brighton to argue that statistic does not matter much and said talk about Salah is merely a consequence of his extraordinary goalscoring feats for Liverpool.
Mohamed Salah backed to break longest goal drought of Liverpool career
Liverpool's selection in focus
Saturday 28 February 2026 13:58 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldLiverpool have Dominik Szoboszlai starting as a No 10. Which happened a lot last season, and rather less this. There is no Florian Wirtz, for the second consecutive game. But there is a defender capable of playing right-back, in Joe Gomez, so Szoboszlai doesn't have to start there. Gomez in for Curtis Jones is the one change Arne Slot makes. West Ham have an awful record at Anfield, but Nuno Espirito Santo won here last season with Nottingham Forest to inflict Slot's first defeat.
Team news - West Ham
Saturday 28 February 2026 13:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleNuno Espirito Santo makes no changes to the West Ham side that drew with Bournemouth last weekend, with Taty Castellanos again leading the line.
West Ham XI: Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf; Soucek, Magassa, Fernandes; Bowen, Castellanos, Summerville.
Our Hammers to face the Reds 📄 pic.twitter.com/WLF3WNEpro
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 28, 2026
Team news - Liverpool
Saturday 28 February 2026 13:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleArne Slot resists the temptation to give young Rio Ngumoha a start in a familiar looking Liverpool team.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.
The Reds to take on West Ham United 🔴 #LIVWHU
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 28, 2026
Team news on the way...
Saturday 28 February 2026 13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleRighty, then, let’s get going - team news will soon be with us from Anfield, and Liverpool are without Florian Wirtz for certain...
Liverpool boss Arne Slot gives concerning Florian Wirtz injury update
This is the most competitive Premier League in years – and that’s very bad news for Spurs
Saturday 28 February 2026 13:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleTottenham’s plight plays in to a wider point, Miguel Delaney argues, about the competitiveness of the Premier League, which has arguably never been greater:
This is the most competitive league in years – and that’s very bad news for Spurs
Tottenham are haunted by risk of historic humiliation but one game could save them
Saturday 28 February 2026 13:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleTottenham are another team looking ahead to a Champions League knockout tie - but also peering over their shoulder at their relegation rivals. Miguel Delaney explores their situation, and what might come next:
Tottenham are facing a historic humiliation but one game could save them
Liverpool’s Champions League draw and path to final revealed
Saturday 28 February 2026 13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleFrom a continental competition point of view, Liverpool found out their Champions League round of 16 fate yesterday as their possible path to the final became clear:
Liverpool’s Champions League draw and path to final revealed
Today's Premier League action
Saturday 28 February 2026 13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s an intriguing day of action in the Premier League, with a slightly slimmed down schedule after some European fixtures in midweek. Bournemouth and Sunderland are already underway on the south coast - a long trip for the away fans, that - while this is the rest of Saturday’s offerings:
Liverpool vs West Ham (3pm)
Newcastle vs Everton (3pm)
Burnley vs Brentford (3pm)
Leeds vs Manchester City (5.30pm)
Jarrod Bowen tells teammates to keep stepping up
Saturday 28 February 2026 12:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleWest Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has also sent an emphatic message to his teammates ahead of a chance to climb out of the bottom three.
“We’ve all got to continue stepping up, that’s the situation that we find ourselves in,” said Bowen. “We know outside noise happens and, I think it’s individually, for one, how you deal with that, but certainly as a group we can take criticism from each other and I think it’s an important time to be criticising each other.
“In the situation that we’re in, we need everyone pointing fingers and people to accept that responsibility, which we’re doing. I think we’ve seen a change certainly in the last few weeks.
“It’s not easy, don’t get me wrong. It’s not easy, and that’s not an excuse, because this is where we find ourselves from what we’ve done at the start of the season, so now we have to fight our way out of it, and we’ve certainly got enough, not just talking about quality, but talking about characters and people who are grabbing each other by the scruff of the neck when times are tough.”
Nuno Espirito Santo says West Ham are up for survival fight
Saturday 28 February 2026 12:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleNuno Espirito Santo has fired a warning to West Ham's relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and Tottenham by declaring his side are back "in the fight".
The Hammers looked consigned to the drop just last month when they slipped seven points from safety.
But a run of just one defeat in six has seen them move to within two points of Forest and four behind free-falling Spurs.
They could even climb out of the bottom three before their rivals play on Sunday if they overcome Liverpool at Anfield today.
"We know it's going to be tough. Going to Anfield is always tough, but at the same time a big challenge for us," Nuno said.
"We are going to face a fantastic team full of talented players that only can bring the best out of us.
"This is what our major motivation is and to realise that we have to keep chasing, chasing, chasing.
"It's the reality. It's been that for some while now. We are in the fight."
Can Arne Slot resist the clamour for Liverpool’s teenage star Rio Ngumoha any longer?
Saturday 28 February 2026 12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleMohamed Salah could be a fascinating figure in the selection shake-up, too, for Arne Slot. Richard Jolly feels a changing of the guard is surely coming...
Can Arne Slot resist the clamour for Liverpool’s teenage star Rio Ngumoha any longer?
Rio Ngumoha’s time is now - but is Cody Gakpo as much of a problem as Liverpool fans make out?
Saturday 28 February 2026 12:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleLiverpool have a few selection decisions to make today, among them how best to utilise Rio Ngumoha. Could he supplant Cody Gakpo? Will Castle assesses the merits:
Is Gakpo really as much of a problem as Liverpool fans make out?
Virgil van Dijk responds to questions over Liverpool’s resilience after late Nottingham Forest win
Saturday 28 February 2026 12:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleVirgil van Dijk made a point of talking up Liverpool’s resilience after victory over Nottingham Forest, too:
Virgil van Dijk responds to questions over Liverpool’s resilience after late win
The one trait that has stopped Liverpool’s season sliding into meltdown
Saturday 28 February 2026 12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleLiverpool’s season has often seemed on the verge of total disaster, but, Richard Jolly writes, one quality is keeping it alive:
The one trait that has stopped Liverpool’s season sliding into meltdown
Liverpool vs West Ham live
Saturday 28 February 2026 11:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleFor Liverpool and West Ham, it is a salvaging of the season on the mind as the two sides meet at Anfield in a key Premier League clash. Arne Slot and his squad know their title defence is long gone but Liverpool remain in the thick of the chase for a top-five finish, while the visitors are looking to continue a recent upturn in fortunes that has bolstered their survival bid.
Kick off is at 3pm GMT.
