English
EspañolLiverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It could have been more than that [goals scored]. Although the goals were not from open play. Big chances, a lot of goals from set pieces were involved. Two for them, three for us and an example of how important set pieces are in football.
"We are a team that gets a lot of corners through the whole season but we struggled a lot in the first half to score from it and we mainly conceded in games. In the last few weeks we are more and more able to score from set pieces and the results look better as well.
"It didn't feel to me like it was a 5-2 game. That is what set pieces can do to a game. I have experienced it so many times the other way. So many times we have been the better team but losing because of set pieces."
On momentum: "We have had momentum but if you have a run of games like we had, so many losses in a row, you fall back a lot. Now for a long time it is very hard to beat us. We are improving, that is obvious. In open play but also set pieces and we are getting more results."
On how much credit Joe Gomez deserves: "Because of how professional he is, but even more because of the person he is. He works so hard to be fit and stay fit and every time he has a setback it is so disappointing for him and for us.
"Playing with a right full-back that can also play as a centre-back also means you have aerial threats in - what I am saying for the 500th time - set pieces."
Liverpool midfielder Alexis MacAllister speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Yes, we could have scored more. They had some chances as well. I prefer to be positive and see the fact we scored five goals which is really good."
On West Ham not being able to reduce the gap to one goal: "That was because in the attacking phase we were really good. We know we need to improve a couple of things, especially defensively because the gaps are too big for us.
"It is what it is, the good thing is that we won. The gap is smaller with Aston Villa and all the teams on top. We a really happy with the result and we need to keep improving."
On scoring four goals in the last month: "I really like it, I really like getting in the box and scoring goals. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. Happy because I can help the team and at the same time I can gain some confidence."
On the team gaining momentum: "Now that we spend some time together, things out easier for us, we understand each other. The last four or five months is when teams show what they can do. That's what we want. We know how important it is to qualify for the Champions League for the club and us as a team. The goal is there and we are going to do everything to qualify and be closer to the teams on top."
Did you know?
- Virgil van Dijk has scored 28 Premier League goals, as many as Gary Cahill, with only John Terry (41) recording more among central defenders in the competition's history (ex. penalties).
- Eight of Hugo Ekitiké's 11 Premier League goals for Liverpool this season have come since the start of December, no player has more in that time