Reds keep CL hopes alive
London, May 14: Philippe Coutinho fired Liverpool within touching distance of the Champions League as the Brazilian’s masterclass inspired a 4-0 demolition of West Ham on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side took the lead when Coutinho’s sublime pass was converted by Daniel Sturridge in the first half at the London Stadium.
Coutinho stole the spotlight again in the second half with a superb solo strike and a cool finish to put Liverpool three goals ahead before Divock Origi netted to cap the Reds’ swaggering display.
Liverpool moved back one point above Manchester City into third place in the Premier League.
Although City and fifth placed Arsenal both have a game in hand, Klopp’s men will be guaranteed a Champions League berth if they beat relegated Middlesbrough at Anfield next Sunday.
In the unlikely event Arsenal lose at home to relegated Sunderland on Tuesday then Liverpool will clinch a top four spot without playing.
West Ham ended Tottenham’s title dreams in their previous match, but Coutinho ensured they never came close to derailing Liverpool. It might have been different if West Ham had capitalised on two early chances.
Sam Byram fired inches past the post before Edimilson Fernandes forced Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet into a smart save.
Sandwiched in between was Liverpool’s first chance of the afternoon after 11 minutes.
Coutinho’s corner was met by Joel Matip whose header bounced down and off the crossbar as West Ham somehow scrambled the ball clear.
Liverpool began to find some momentum and Sturridge freed Adam Lallana, who shot straight at Adrian.
The Hammers goalkeeper also had to be alert to keep out James Milner’s low drive before watching Coutinho’s long-range effort drift just over the top of his crossbar.
Milner dragged his shot wide when well placed but the breakthrough arrived via Sturridge in the 35th minute.
Coutinho split open the West Ham defence with a majestic long pass and Sturridge strode through, rounded Adrian and slotted home his first goal since January 2.
HULL RELEGATED
Hull City crashed out of the EPL as Crystal Palace secured their own survival with a 4-0 thrashing of their relegation rivals at Selhurst Park.
Marco Silva’s side knew only a victory would give them a realistic chance of staying up, but goals from Wilfried Zaha, Christian Benteke, Luka Milivojevic and Patrick van Aanholt consigned them to the drop.
Third-bottom Hull, winners just once in their last six matches, return to the Championship just 12 months after their promotion via the play-offs.
GIROUD BRACE KEEPS ARSENAL IN HUNT
Olivier Giroud scored twice as Arsenal won 4-1 at Stoke City on Saturday to maintain manager Arsene Wenger’s hopes of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Arsenal endured an anxious spell in the second half after Stoke substitute Peter Crouch reduced the arrears to 2-1 with a goal scored using his arm that was allowed to stand.
But eventually Wenger’s side turned in a clinical display to move to within a point of Liverpool.
Giroud scored the opening goal on 42 minutes as Arsenal scythed their way through the Stoke defence impressively.
This season has been tough for us — something went wrong — but at the end we still have a chance to go into the Champions League and I’m sure we can improve next season
— Fernandinho
Manchester City midfielder on the team’s frustrating season in the Premier League