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Liverpool 5 – 2 West Ham PL Man of the Match

Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool FC

Relentless Growth, Ruthless Edge

Liverpool’s 5–2 victory over West Ham carried plenty of standout moments, but the clearest thread running through the performance was the continued rise of Hugo Ekitike. In a game that demanded authority and attacking precision, the French forward delivered both — scoring once and assisting twice in a display that underlined why his trajectory mirrors the elite ambitions of Liverpool Football Club.

His opening contribution set the tone. The finish was clinical, struck with conviction and clarity of thought, the kind of effort that separates promising forwards from reliable scorers. But it was the completeness of his game that truly stood out. His assist for the third goal was weighted to perfection, a subtle yet intelligent pass that demonstrated awareness beyond his years. Later, he added another assist, again combining timing and vision to devastating effect.

Movement, pace, power and creativity are now blending into one cohesive package. Ekitike is no longer simply a forward who thrives on space — he is becoming a centre forward capable of dictating it. His off-ball runs disrupted West Ham’s defensive line all afternoon, creating channels for others to exploit. When dropping deeper, he linked play intelligently, showing composure under pressure and maturity in decision-making.

There is a growing sense that Liverpool is watching a prodigy evolve into something far more complete. The raw potential is being refined into efficiency. In a Premier League packed with high-calibre strikers, Ekitike’s all-round game is beginning to place him firmly in the conversation as one of the most well-rounded centre forwards in the division.

Strong Foundations Behind the Firepower

While Ekitike rightfully claims the Man of the Match honours, the collective platform around him deserves recognition. Virgil van Dijk was commanding in defence, leading with authority and composure. His presence ensured Liverpool controlled long stretches of the match, and his goal from a set piece added further emphasis to his influence.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister delivered one of his most controlled performances of the season. The Argentine dictated tempo with intelligence, screened the back line effectively, and capped his display with a stunning first-half strike that effectively broke West Ham’s resistance. His calm authority allowed Liverpool’s attackers to flourish, and his balance between discipline and ambition was key to maintaining momentum.

Steven Smith predicted a 2–0 win before kick-off. Liverpool instead struck five. The clean sheet may have eluded them, but the statement remained emphatic — and at the centre of it stood Hugo Ekitike, evolving in real time into the forward Liverpool need him to become.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 0 West Ham

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