Liverpool v West Ham live: Ekitike scores early as Reds aim to keep pace in race for Champions League qualification

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Independent or go back to LFC Live.

Jarrod Bowen delivers...out for a goal kick off a West Ham head.Harry Latham-Coyle28 February 2026 15:10Clinical from Ekitike to grant Slot's wishHere’s the latest from our Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly, who is at Anfield today“Hugo Ekitike has been guilty of a few glaring misses in recent games but that was a clinical finish. West Ham have barely had a kick in these opening skirmishes.Harry Latham-Coyle28 February 2026 15:08GOAL!

Hugo Ekitike fires home the opener (REUTERS)Harry Latham-Coyle28 February 2026 15:06Liverpool 0-0 West Ham, 5 minutesMilos Kerkez gets forward and earns a corner off the legs of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Harry Latham-Coyle28 February 2026 15:04Liverpool 0-0 West Ham, 4 minutesMohamed Salah looks lively.

Nine games without a goal will frustrate him more than anyone - does that run end today?Harry Latham-Coyle28 February 2026 15:03Liverpool 0-0 West Ham, 2 minutesA bright start from the hosts, plenty of energy in the early press. Mohamed Salah looks to combine with Szoboszlai, who makes a top run, but the pass runs through to Mads Hermansen.Harry Latham-Coyle28 February 2026 15:03Liverpool 0-0 West Ham, 1 minuteAs expected, it looks like Dominik Szoboszlai will be given that freer role in midfield for Liverpool in the absence of Florian Wirtz.