Klopp praises Reds after brushing Hammers aside

WEST HAM 0 LIVERPOOL 4

Jurgen Klopp enjoyed the “perfect afternoon” as Liverpool kept their Champions League destiny in their own hands by destroying West Ham at the London Stadium yesterday.

Philippe Coutinho scored twice after setting up the returning Daniel Sturridge for the opener, and Divock Origi put the seal on a thumping 4-0 victory.

Liverpool travelled to the capital knowing any slip-up could let Arsenal take the initiative in the race for a top-four finish, and faced a West Ham team who had dashed Tottenham’s even loftier ambitions nine days earlier.

But an emphatic win ensured that victory over Middlesbrough on the final day will take the Reds back to Europe’s elite next season.

“It was hard work, and there were a few moments where the game could have changed, but we played really good and we were deserved winners,” said Anfield boss Klopp.

“The boys did brilliantly, we scored the goals and could have scored more. So yes, a perfect afternoon.”

The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute when Coutinho’s exquisite through-ball allowed Sturridge to race towards goal before rounding Adrian and tucking in his first goal since January.

Coutinho then twice weaved his way through what was by now masquerading as West Ham’s defence to make it 3-0 before Origi tapped in a late fourth.

“I am very disappointed the way we played,” said Hammers manager Slaven Bilic.