Liverpool's 5-2 win over West Ham still falls short of elite standard

Liverpool's 5-2 victory over West Ham was a statement of efficiency, with three first‑half goals from corners and an xG of 1.75 against West Ham's 1.84. Yet the win did not translate into domination, as the side still struggles to meet the club's elite standard.

Arne Slot's initial vision of a PSG‑lite, vertical flair side has given way to a pragmatic focus on set‑pieces, with nine dead‑ball goals since January. However, defensive gaps in transition and an unsteady midfield balance show that the rebuild has not yet delivered the desired creative dominance.