Liverpool's Sadio Mane scores brace in opening win vs. West Ham

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:29 am

Sadio Mane had two goals for the first time since February 2017 and Mohamed Salah also scored as Liverpool opened their Premier League season with a 4-0 victory over West Ham United at Anfield.

Mane, who has now scored in each of his last three Premier League openers, and Salah, the league's Golden Boot winner last season with 32 goals, sealed Liverpool's victory in their first competitive game since they lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid in March.

Salah opened the scoring in the 19th minute after summer addition Naby Keita ran up the middle and passed to Andy Robertson on the left, drawing the West Ham defence away from the box. Robertson then connected with an unmarked Salah, who finished the low cross at the far post.

Trent Alexander-Arnold nearly doubled the lead five minutes later but West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski pushed his free kick away from the near post.

Sadio Mane celebrates scoring his side's third goal against West Ham.
Sadio Mane celebrates scoring his side's third goal against West Ham.
David Davies/PA via AP

Mane then struck in first-half injury time, finishing from a volley from James Milner at the byline. He appeared to be offside on his second goal, in the 53rd minute, as he pivoted away from defenders and received Roberto Firmino's quick pass near the spot to beat Fabianski.

Daniel Sturridge completed the scoring in the 88th minute, 24 seconds after coming on for Salah. Milner's corner glanced off Robert Snodgrass and toward Sturridge, who only had to get the inside of his right knee on the ball to direct it past Ryan Fredericks and into the net.

West Ham's best chance came in the 49th minute as Felipe Anderson flicked the ball to Michail Antonio, who volleyed it over the bar.

Keita, goalkeeper Alisson and substitute Xherdan Shaqiri made their first league appearances with Liverpool, while new West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini started five of their summer signings -- including former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who made his first league start in August in four years.

The win over West Ham was Liverpool's 27th in the league, more than they have against any other team, while West Ham have only won once at Anfield in 46 league games.