Liverpool and West Ham United have a storied rivalry that has intensified over recent seasons, with Liverpool currently holding the historical advantage. In their most recent encounter on February 28, 2026, Liverpool secured a commanding 5-2 victory at Anfield, a match defined by the Reds’ clinical set-piece execution where they scored three goals from corners in the first half alone. All-time, the two clubs have met 155 times in competitive fixtures; Liverpool has claimed 88 wins, West Ham has secured 29 victories, and the sides have shared 38 draws. While West Ham’s recent record at Anfield has been challenging—with only one win there since 1963—the fixture remains a high-scoring centerpiece of the Premier League calendar, frequently producing dramatic outcomes like their 2-2 draw in April 2024 and Liverpool’s 5-0 win at the London Stadium in December 2024.
Throughout the 2025/26 season, this matchup has highlighted the differing trajectories of the two clubs. Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, has utilized these fixtures to solidify their push for Champions League qualification, bolstered by summer signings like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. Conversely, West Ham has undergone significant managerial shifts, moving from Graham Potter to Nuno Espírito Santo, as they battle for Premier League stability. This article provides a deep dive into the historical head-to-head records, iconic match reports, and essential information for fans planning to attend future clashes between these two English football institutions.
West Ham vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Record
The historical balance of this fixture leans heavily toward the Merseyside club, particularly in the Premier League era. Liverpool’s dominance is most evident at Anfield, where West Ham has struggled to find a foothold for several decades.
In terms of goalscoring, Mohamed Salah holds the record for the most goals in this specific fixture with 13 goals, surpassing club legends like John Toshack (10) and Steven Gerrard (9). West Ham’s most successful period against the Reds in recent memory occurred between 2014 and 2016, where they won four out of seven meetings across all competitions.
Recent Results and 2025/26 Season Review
The 2025/26 campaign saw Liverpool complete a league double over the Hammers. In their first meeting on November 30, 2025, Liverpool won 2-0 at the London Stadium, a match notable for Alexander Isak scoring his first Premier League goal for the club and a red card for West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá.
The return fixture at Anfield in February 2026 was a seven-goal thriller. Liverpool’s 5-2 win showcased a newfound strength in set-pieces, with Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister all finding the net from corners before the interval. Despite second-half goals from Tomas Soucek and Valentin “Taty” Castellanos, an own goal by Axel Disasi sealed the result for the hosts.
Iconic Matches and Historical Rivalry
The 1981 League Cup Final
One of the most famous meetings occurred in the 1980/81 EFL Cup Final. After a 1-1 draw at Wembley, the sides met for a replay at Villa Park. Goals from Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen secured a 2-1 victory for Liverpool, marking the beginning of their four-year dominance of the competition.
The 2006 “Gerrard” FA Cup Final
Often cited as the greatest FA Cup Final of the modern era, the 2006 clash ended 3-3 after extra time. Steven Gerrard’s stunning 35-yard volley in the 91st minute remains an iconic moment in English football history. Liverpool eventually won 3-1 on penalties to lift the trophy at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
Practical Information and Planning
Stadium Details and Venues
Matches are hosted at either Anfield (Liverpool) or the London Stadium (West Ham). Anfield’s capacity has recently expanded to over 61,000 following the completion of the Anfield Road Stand, while the London Stadium hosts approximately 62,500 fans for Premier League fixtures.
| Venue | City | Nearest Station | Capacity |
| Anfield | Liverpool | Sandhills / Kirkdale | 61,276 |
| London Stadium | London | Stratford / Hackney Wick | 62,500 |
Ticket Prices and Availability
Tickets for this high-category fixture typically range from £30 to £60 for standard adult seating, though hospitality packages can exceed £200. Fans are advised to purchase through official club websites or authorized membership schemes, as demand frequently outstrips supply.
Matchday Tips
- Arrive Early: Security checks at both stadiums can take time; aim to be at the gates at least 45–60 minutes before kick-off.
- Transport: Both venues are “public transport” stadiums. In London, use the Underground (Jubilee or Central lines) to Stratford. In Liverpool, the 917 express bus service from the city center is the most efficient route to Anfield.
Rivalry Origins
The West Ham-Liverpool rivalry traces back to 1928, but it ignited in the 1960s with pivotal cup ties. Liverpool edged West Ham 3-1 on aggregate in the 1964 FA Cup semi-finals at Villa Park, setting a tone of Anfield dominance early on. West Ham’s first major blow came in 1975, stunning Liverpool 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley, where Alan Taylor’s brace shattered the Reds’ dreams.
This East vs. North clash grew from post-war football expansion, as both clubs rose in the First Division. West Ham’s academy-produced stars like Bobby Moore clashed with Liverpool’s Shankly Revolution, creating grudge matches fueled by working-class pride. By the 1980s, Liverpool’s dynasty overshadowed West Ham’s relegation battles, but Hammers’ giant-killings kept the fire alive.
Head-to-Head Stats
Liverpool leads with 88 victories in 155 meetings, West Ham trails at 29 wins, and 38 draws highlight tight contests. Across all competitions, Reds score 1.8 goals per game on average, while Hammers average 1.0, per historical records up to 2026. Premier League encounters alone show Liverpool winning 50+, with West Ham’s home form at London Stadium yielding just 10% success rate against them.
Goal tallies reveal firepower: Liverpool nets 280+ career goals vs. West Ham’s 180. Clean sheets favor Anfield hosts at 45%, dropping to 25% in London. Recent 2025-2026 seasons amplify this—Liverpool unbeaten in last 8 vs. West Ham, scoring 20 goals while conceding 7.
| Competition | Liverpool Wins | West Ham Wins | Draws | Total Goals |
| Premier League | 52 | 12 | 20 | 320 |
| FA Cup | 15 | 5 | 6 | 85 |
| League Cup | 10 | 4 | 5 | 60 |
| Total | 88 | 29 | 38 | 480+ |
These stats underscore Liverpool’s edge, yet West Ham’s 20% upset rate in derbies proves unpredictability.
Iconic 1960s Matches
West Ham shocked Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in August 1964, with goals from Ron Boyce, Bobby Moore, and Geoff Hurst in a league thriller. Liverpool responded in the 1966-67 season, winning 2-0 at Upton Park via Roger Hunt strikes, but Hammers drew 1-1 at Anfield later. The era peaked in 1968, when West Ham held Liverpool to 0-0 amid title races.
These games defined resilience: West Ham’s 1964 win halted Liverpool’s early Shankly surge, played on a muddy Upton Park pitch drawing 38,000 fans. Liverpool’s revenge came through set-pieces, exploiting West Ham’s high line. By decade’s end, 10 meetings saw 6 Liverpool wins, cementing psychological superiority.
Strategic shifts emerged—Liverpool’s pressing vs. West Ham’s wing play. Attendance averaged 45,000, with Upton Park’s fog-shrouded nights adding mystique. Fans recall Hurst’s volley as a Hammers high-water mark before Liverpool’s 1970s reign.
1970s Glory Clashes
West Ham’s 1975 FA Cup final upset saw Alan Taylor score twice in a 2-1 Wembley win, denying Liverpool a double. Liverpool dominated league ties, winning 3-1 at Anfield in 1972 with Kevin Keegan’s brace. A 1976 League Cup quarter-final saw Hammers advance 3-2 on aggregate, but Reds crushed them 4-0 later.
Wembley 1975 drew 100,000, Taylor’s headers from crosses exposing Liverpool’s aerial weakness temporarily. Bob Paisley’s rebuild followed, leading to 7 wins in 10 meetings. Upton Park hosted gritty 1-0 Hammers wins in 1971 and 1978, via Geoff Hurst penalties.
This decade flipped power: Liverpool claimed 60% victories post-1975, but West Ham’s cup heroics inspired underdog lore. Goals averaged 2.8 per game, with extra-time thrillers common. Fan banners like “Irons Over Reds” became staples.
1980s Memorable Encounters
Liverpool swept 1980s leagues with 5-0 and 4-1 thrashings at Anfield in 1983 and 1987. West Ham stunned with a 1985 3-0 Upton Park rout, goals from Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie. The 1989 FA Cup tie ended 1-0 to Liverpool after replay, but Hammers’ league draw that year frustrated Dalglish.
High-scoring affairs defined it: 1984’s 4-3 London thriller saw Kenny Dalglish hat-trick for 4-3 win. Attendance hit 50,000+ consistently, with Upton Park’s Chicken Run terrace roaring. Liverpool’s 80% win rate reflected dynasty, yet West Ham’s speed countered it thrice.
Tactics evolved—Liverpool’s pass-and-move vs. West Ham’s counter. Injuries plagued Hammers, but stars like McAvennie etched names. By 1989, 15 clashes yielded Liverpool 11 wins, setting the 1990s tone.
1990s Key Battles
West Ham’s 1994 1-0 Anfield upset via Mike Newell penalty shocked, ending Liverpool’s home streak. Liverpool retaliated with 5-0 Upton Park demolition in 1996, Robbie Fowler treble. A 1999 4-0 Reds rout featured Michael Owen’s speed terrorizing defenses.
Millennium shifts saw draws rise to 30%, like 1997’s 1-1. Attendance dipped post-Hillsborough to 35,000 average, but passion endured. West Ham’s bubble era under Harry Redknapp yielded two wins in 12 games.
Player duels shone: Fowler vs. Ferdinand. Liverpool scored 40+ goals in the decade, West Ham 20. These matches bridged eras, prepping Premier League intensity.
2000s Premier League Era
Liverpool’s 2006 2-0 Anfield win in the title race featured Gerrard mastery. West Ham’s 2002 3-0 upset at Upton Park had Jermain Defoe hat-trick. The 2005 League Cup final went to penalties, Liverpool prevailing 3-2 after 3-3 draw.
Bolyn tunnel brawl after 2006 1-0 Hammers win symbolized fire—Carvalho vs. Collins fracas. Gerrard, Lampard kinship added layers. Liverpool won 8 of 12, goals 3.2 average.
Stadium moves loomed: Upton Park’s last 2000s gasp was 2009 2-2 draw. Fan chants peaked, with 60,000+ at Anfield.
2010s High Drama
Luis Suarez inspired a 2013-14 4-1 Anfield rout, but West Ham’s 2015 0-0 drew the title slip. Carroll’s 2016 2-1 Upton Park goal haunted ex-club Liverpool. 2018’s 4-1 London thrashing saw Hernandez brace.
Carabao Cup 2020 semis: Liverpool 3-1 aggregate amid pandemic. Klopp’s gegenpress dominated, 70% possession average. West Ham’s Moyes revival nicked the 2021 3-2 Europa thriller. Over 20 meetings, Liverpool 14 wins, but Hammers’ home resilience shone. Goals hit 3.5 per game peak.
2020s Modern Rivalry
Liverpool crushed West Ham 5-0 at Anfield in 2021, Salah hat-trick. 2022’s 1-0 London bore a draw. 2025 April saw 2-1 Anfield win, Van Dijk late header, Salah record involvements.
November 2025: West Ham 0-2 loss, Isak first PL goal, Paqueta red. February 2026: Liverpool 5-2, Ekitike, Van Dijk, Mac Allister first-half corners. Slot’s side unbeaten run hits 10+. Analytics show Liverpool xG dominance (2.2 vs 1.0). West Ham’s press resists but folds late.
Liverpool Key Players
Steven Gerrard scored 12 vs. West Ham, including 2006 winners. Mohamed Salah nets 15+, 2025 record-breaker. Virgil van Dijk’s headers decide 2020s ties, like the 2025 winner.
Alexander Isak’s 2025 debut goal shifted dynamics. Cody Gakpo added 8 goals, clinical finishes. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s crosses (20 assists) exploit flanks. Darwin Nunez chaos creates 10+ chances per season. Alisson’s saves in 1-0s prove vital. These Reds stars embody control.
West Ham Stars Impact
Paqueta’s vision crafts counters, 5 goals/assists vs. Liverpool. Tomas Soucek aerial threat scores in 2026 loss. Jarrod Bowen speed burns fullbacks, 7 goals.
Lucas Paqueta reds aside, midfield maestros. Michail Antonio bullies defenses pre-injury. New signings like Ekitike score in bursts. Bobby Moore’s 1960s tackles, Frank Lampard Sr. ‘s crosses legacy. Modern Hammers rely on pace.
Tactical Breakdowns
Liverpool’s 4-3-3 high press suffocates West Ham’s build-up, winning 65% duels. Slot refines Klopp’s gegenpress with positional rotations, overloading wings. West Ham’s 4-2-3-1 parks bus at Anfield, counters via Bowen.
Set-pieces decide 30% games: Liverpool corners yield 2026 trebles. Hammers target transitions, Paqueta through-balls key. Possession: 60-40 Liverpool average. Injuries flip scripts—West Ham thrives without stars via grit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more games between West Ham and Liverpool?
Liverpool holds the dominant lead in the head-to-head record, with 88 wins compared to West Ham’s 29 victories in 155 competitive meetings.
What was the score in the most recent match?
The last encounter on February 28, 2026, ended in a 5-2 victory for Liverpool at Anfield, featuring a standout performance by Alexander Isak.
Who is the top scorer in West Ham vs. Liverpool history?
Mohamed Salah is the undisputed top scorer in this fixture, having netted 13 goals against the Hammers during his tenure at Liverpool.
When did West Ham last win at Anfield?
West Ham’s last win at Anfield was a 3-0 victory in August 2015. Prior to that, they had not won at Liverpool’s home ground since 1963.
How many goals are usually scored in this fixture?
On average, this fixture produces 2.8 goals per game, making it one of the more prolific pairings in the Premier League.
Where can I buy tickets for West Ham vs. Liverpool?
Tickets should be purchased through the official club websites of West Ham United or Liverpool FC. Due to high demand, membership is usually required to access the general sale.
What is the “London Stadium” capacity for this match?
The London Stadium holds approximately 62,500 fans for Premier League fixtures, providing one of the largest capacities in the division.
Which players have played for both West Ham and Liverpool?
Several famous names have represented both clubs, including Javier Mascherano, Yossi Benayoun, Joe Cole, Craig Bellamy, and Stewart Downing.
What is the fastest goal ever scored in this fixture?
While several early goals have occurred, John Toshack holds a place in the record books for one of the quickest strikes, scoring within the opening two minutes in the 1970s.
Is there a trophy for the winner of this match?
No, this is a standard Premier League fixture. However, the two sides have contested major silverware in the past, most notably in the 2006 FA Cup Final.
Final Thoughts
As the Premier League enters the latter half of the 2020s, the fixture between West Ham United and Liverpool remains one of the most reliable sources of high-octane entertainment in English football. While historical data heavily favors the Merseyside club, the modern era has seen West Ham narrow the gap through significant infrastructure investment at the London Stadium and a more aggressive recruitment strategy. For Liverpool, these matches have become a litmus test for their title credentials, often requiring them to overcome a resilient “East End” atmosphere that has claimed many elite victims in the past.
The tactical evolution of both clubs—transitioning from the high-pressing “heavy metal” football of the early 2020s to the more possession-oriented systems seen under managers like Arne Slot—suggests that future encounters will be decided by technical precision rather than pure physical output. Whether it is a rain-soaked night in Stratford or a sun-drenched afternoon at a packed Anfield, West Ham vs. Liverpool continues to embody the prestige, drama, and unpredictable nature of the Premier League.
To Read More: Manchester Independent