Liverpool delivered a statement performance on February 28, 2026, when they overcame West Ham United 5-2 at Anfield in the Premier League. The victory not only boosted their European qualification hopes but also highlighted a remarkable transformation in set-piece execution that has become central to their improved form. For online readers tracking every development in the Liverpool Premier League campaign, this result offered fresh optimism after a turbulent first half of the 2025-26 season.
Moreover, the occasion carried echoes of happier times. The last time Liverpool scored five goals in a single Premier League match came in April 2025, when they clinched the title with a 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur under bright sunshine. Although conditions on this February afternoon were similar, the context differed: Arne Slot’s side needed the points to keep their Champions League ambitions alive rather than celebrate silverware. Yet the clinical finishing and renewed belief suggested a team heading into March with renewed purpose.
Clinical First Half and Set-Piece Transformation
Liverpool were far from flawless against a relegation-threatened West Ham side, but their efficiency proved decisive. Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring early with a header from a corner, followed by Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister adding further goals from similar situations before half-time. This set-piece hat-trick in one half marked a significant tactical shift.
Furthermore, the statistics tell a compelling story of progress. Since the start of 2026, no Premier League team has scored more goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties) than Liverpool, who have netted nine in total. Seven of their most recent nine league goals have come from dead-ball situations, a sharp contrast to the first half of the season when they struggled defensively at corners and free-kicks. Slot acknowledged the change post-match, noting that Liverpool had previously conceded too readily from set-pieces but were now reaping rewards on both ends of the pitch.
In addition, the departure of former set-piece coach Aaron Briggs at the end of 2025 prompted the existing staff to absorb those responsibilities. Slot downplayed any single factor, instead crediting small adjustments in setup and a return to “normal” execution after a period where chances went begging. “Things went back to normal,” he explained. “We have created quite a lot of chances in the first half of the season that too many times did not go in.”
Liverpool’s Recent Premier League Form (Last 5 Matches as of March 1, 2026)
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 28, 2026 | West Ham | 5-2 W | Three first-half corner goals |
| Feb 22, 2026 | Nottm Forest | 1-0 W | Late winner maintains momentum |
| Feb 14, 2026 | Brighton | 3-0 W | FA Cup progress |
| Feb 11, 2026 | Sunderland | 1-0 W | Solid away display |
| Earlier | (Various) | Mixed | Earlier inconsistency |
This table illustrates the upturn, with four wins in five league games matching Liverpool’s entire tally from their previous 13 outings (six draws, three losses).
Current Standings and Broader Season Context
Transitioning to the league table, Liverpool now occupy fifth place with 48 points from 28 matches after the West Ham result. They sit just three points behind third place and level on points with nearby rivals, keeping Champions League qualification firmly within reach. Slot has been clear that failing to secure European football would render the campaign unacceptable for a club of Liverpool’s stature.
However, the season began with challenges. A run of inconsistent results, combined with injuries and adjustments under the new manager, left the side facing an uphill battle. Yet recent performances—whether through late winners, resilient away displays, or now set-piece prowess—have restored momentum. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister captured the mood after scoring the third goal: “The last four or five months is when teams show what they can do.” Forward Cody Gakpo echoed this, describing the recent games as “the start of something beautiful.”
Premier League Table Snapshot (Top Six as of March 1, 2026)
| Position | Team | Played | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 28 | 61 | +35 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 28 | 59 | +32 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 27 | 51 | +8 |
| 4 | Manchester Utd | 27 | 48 | +11 |
| 5 | Liverpool | 28 | 48 | +10 |
| 6 | Chelsea | 27 | 45 | +17 |
The proximity to the top four underscores the importance of maintaining this improved form.
Financial Strength and Future Outlook
Off the pitch, Liverpool confirmed record revenues exceeding £700 million for the previous accounting year, with a small profit after tax. This financial stability reinforces the club’s ability to compete at the highest level, making Champions League qualification even more critical for sustaining investment in the squad.
Looking ahead, the next 10 days feature consecutive fixtures against Wolves in both the Premier League and FA Cup, followed by a Champions League trip to Galatasaray. Navigating this period unscathed could solidify their top-five position and build genuine belief that the season can still deliver success across multiple fronts.
In summary, Liverpool’s 5-2 triumph over West Ham exemplified a side rediscovering its edge. Arne Slot’s emphasis on set-piece improvement, combined with clinical finishing and growing squad confidence, has transformed recent performances. While the Premier League title is out of reach, the opportunity to secure Champions League football and progress in the cup competitions remains very much alive.
For supporters and analysts alike, the coming weeks will test this resurgence. Yet with belief returning at Anfield and a clear focus on every detail—from dead-ball execution to overall intensity—Liverpool appear well placed to achieve something meaningful. As Gakpo suggested, these results could indeed mark the beginning of something beautiful in the final months of the campaign. The Reds’ ability to convert chances and defend set-pieces more effectively has already shifted the narrative, offering a platform for a strong finish to what has been a challenging yet ultimately promising season.
