Sturridge, starting for the first time since January, christened his return with a goal as Liverpool dominated possession throughout. West Ham endured a testing afternoon with Andre Ayew missing the easiest of chances at 1-0, before being left frustrated by some calamitous defending and a refereeing decision. It was an unhappy end to their first season at London Stadium as the home supporters flooded the exits before the final whistle and left the players to do their lap of honour in front of empty seats. After a stumble last week against Southampton - a game devoid of chances - the Liverpool attack were back at full throttle in the capital on Sunday.
The Reds began the day in fourth, having been leapfrogged by Manchester City, knowing two wins would guarantee third place. And with the pressure firmly on, Jurgen Klopp's side produced one of their most commanding performances of the season in a wholly one-sided affair. Coutinho, playing in a slightly position, was the master of it all with an assist for the opener and two goals of his own. The playmaker produced an exquisite pass from behind the halfway line for the opener as Sturridge evaded the offside trap and rolled home a tidy finish. And after the break it was the Brazilian who once again turned up the heat.
Georginio Wijnaldum's thunderbolt pinged back off the bar and Coutinho was the first to pounce before driving home to after a quick Liverpool counter-attack. The Hammers woes were compounded when goalkeeper Adrian flapped at a high ball and Origi drilled in a fourth. West Ham's final home game of the season was a microcosm of their first campaign at London Stadium - one which began full of hope but ultimately ended in frustration. Having effectively ended London rivals Tottenham's title change last week, their supporters could have been forgiven for expecting another performance. And the home side started the better as Sam Bryam fired a free shot wide from inside the area.
Having fallen behind, the Hammers should have been level at the break - but Ayew from a corner drilled the ball against the base of the post from two yards, before repeating the feat with the rebound. The Hammers were further frustrated at Liverpool's third goal - Wijnaldum appeared to catch Winston Reid with his elbow earlier in the move - but play continued with Reid down and Liverpool scored seconds later. West Ham have clocked up seven home victories at their new home - just two less than in their final season at Upton Park. But they've now suffered eight home defeats, compared to just three in 2015-16 season. Hampered by a string of injuries, Sturridge has struggled for form this season and has seen himself fall down Jurgen Klopp's pecking order. But after a substitute appearance against Southampton, he was handed a first start since January and was clinical in front of goal.
The 27-year-old - who has made just 19 Premier League appearances in 2016-17 and scored three goals - has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer. He remained quiet about his Liverpool future following the game, but insisted he does not have any worries about next season. Hampered by a string of injuries, Sturridge has struggled for form this season and has seen himself fall down Jurgen Klopp's pecking order. But after a substitute appearance against Southampton, he was handed a first start since January and was clinical in front of goal. The 27-year-old - who has made just 19 Premier League appearances in 2016-17 and scored three goals - has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer. He remained quiet about his Liverpool future following the game, but insisted he does not have any worries about next season.
