Liverpool surged out to a 3-0 first half lead as they blitzed West Ham with set piece prowess that has recently become a strong suit for the Reds. The second half became a bit of a nervy affair, with the Hammers twice pulling a goal back before Liverpool responded to regain a three goal cushion, finishing with a score of 5-2.

Alexis Mac Allister proved to be a key figure on the day with a strong performance that had largely been missing from the Argentine this season. Mac Allister volleyed in the third goal and also led the team with five tackles on the day. When Mac Allister was interviewed by BBC Sport after the match, he felt there were a lot of positives to take away from the match, including closing the gap with teams ahead of Liverpool in the table.

“We could have scored more, maybe they had some chances as well. But today I prefer to be positive and see the fact that we scored five goals, which is really good.”

“We know that we need to improve a couple of things, especially defensively because sometimes the gaps are too big for us, but it is what it is. The good thing is that we won. The gap is now smaller with Aston Villa or the teams on top. We are happy with the result and we need to keep improving.”

With Liverpool’s formation this season more often than not employing either Florian Wirtz or Dominik Szoboszlai as the de facto attacking midfielder, Mac Allister has playing in more of a double pivot role with Ryan Gravenberch. With the side finally coming out of their shell over the past month, the Argentine midfielder has had more opportunities to get around the box, which has put him in positions to nick some goals. Mac Allister said the opportunities to score some goals, four in the last seven matches, has helped to bolster his confidence.

“I always say that I really like getting in the box and scoring goals. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. But in the last few games I was able to score some goals, so [I’m] happy because I can help the team and at the same time I can gain some confidence.”

Mac Allister also described the feeling that the side is finally starting to gel after a large number of changes in personnel this offseason. He said as the club kicks on into the spring, the goal is to continue the charge to ensure Champions League qualification.

“Now that we spend some time together, I think things are easier for us – we understand each other. I think in 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 or for 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.”