Liverpool signed off on 2024 with a scintillating 5-0 win away at West Ham, but Arne Slot was keen to point out his team's defensive strengths.

First-half goals from Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah put the Reds in a dominant position at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's deflected strike and a late effort from substitute Diogo Jota wrapped up an emphatic victory that moved Liverpool eight points clear at the Premier League summit.

Liverpool have lost just one game in all competitions this season, with that defeat coming to Nottingham Forest - who are second - back in September.

While their hot streak in front of goal has grabbed headlines, Liverpool have been stingy at the back, conceding just 17 goals in the league.

Only Arsenal (16) have conceded fewer goals in the Premier League this season, while Liverpool are level with Forest for the most clean sheets (eight).

"[Clean sheets] are one of the reasons why you win a lot," said Slot.

"If every time you have to score two, three or four goals it's difficult, at the moment we do, but it's not sustainable for a long period of time.

"Sometimes you need a win by keeping a clean sheet and scoring one or two."

The shutout at West Ham marked Liverpool's first clean sheet in five Premier League games, so Slot's warning looks timely after the Reds shipped three goals against Newcastle United and Tottenham while also conceding twice against Fulham earlier in December.

Liverpool's five goals at West Ham came from five different scorers, and Slot believes that ability to spread the goals around is another potent weapon in the Reds' armoury.

He added: "I like to see this, because if you only rely on one player when it comes to goals, that is mostly not really helpful.

"To see the others score goals, threatening the other goal, is pleasing to see.

"It was the way I would like to see us play in an away game. 

"The level you can reach in a game always has to do with the team you face. Normally, West Ham do not compete for winning the league, so you always have to take this into account when looking at how happy you are with a performance.

"Away games are always difficult in the Premier League, and here last season I think it was 2-2. To perform the way we did is pleasing to see."

Liverpool did suffer a blow against the Hammers, with Slot confirming Joe Gomez had sustained a hamstring injury.