Liverpool now reaping the rewards after putting right major failing with set-pieces

THIS was exactly the game Arne Slot has been banging on about all season.

- By PAUL GORST

And, for more than one reason, Liverpool must now heed the lessons of a strange afternoon at Anfield if they are to maintain their challenge for Champions League qualification.

What could have been a difficult encounter was avoided by the Reds addressing the failing their head coach believes had been holding them back.

And it allowed Slot's side to further crank up the pressure on Manchester United, Chelsea and a faltering Aston Villa in the battle for a top-four finish.

But that the result was never really in doubt was a consequence of the Reds' growing ability to profit from set-pieces, a shortcoming that had driven Slot to distraction.

Having been the joint-worst at scoring from dead balls in the Premier League at the turn of the year, no team has had more joy this calendar year than the Reds.

The three they netted before halftime succeeded in keeping an at times dangerous West Ham at arm's length.

It helped that the first from Hugo Ekitike came after just five minutes, sparing Anfield another slog to break down a packed rearguard.

That's not to say nerves weren't occasionally frayed. Liverpool's struggles with game management remain, even if much of the danger was perceived rather than the outcome being under any great threat.