LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Philippe Coutinho fired Liverpool within touching distance of the Champions League as the Brazilian’s masterclass inspired a 4-0 demolition of West Ham yesterday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side took the lead when Coutinho’s sublime pass was converted by Daniel Sturridge in the first half at the London Stadium.Coutinho stole the spotlight again in the second half with a superb solo strike and a cool finish to put Liverpool three goals ahead before Divock Origi netted to cap the Reds’ swaggering display.Liverpool moved back one point above Manchester City into third place in the Premier League.Although City and fifth-placed Arsenal both have a game in hand, Klopp’s men will be guaranteed a Champions League berth if they beat relegated Middlesbrough at Anfield next Sunday.In the unlikely event Arsenal lose at home to relegated Sunderland on Tuesday, then Liverpool will clinch a top four spot without playing.West Ham ended Tottenham’s title dreams in their previous match, but Coutinho ensured they never came close to derailing Liverpool.It might have been different if West Ham had capitalised on two early chances.Sam Byram fired inches past the post before Edimilson Fernandes forced Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet into a smart save.Sandwiched in between was Liverpool’s first chance of the afternoon after 11 minutes.Coutinho’s corner was met by Joel Matip whose header bounced down and off the crossbar as West Ham somehow scrambled the ball clear.Liverpool began to find some momentum and Sturridge freed Adam Lallana, who shot straight at Adrian.The Hammers goalkeeper also had to be alert to keep out James Milner’s low drive before watching Coutinho’s long-range effort drift just over the top of his crossbar.