LONDON, Feb 2:- Struggling West Ham United returned to losing ways on Sunday when they were thrashed 3-0 at home by Liverpool in the English premier league.

Early goals by Czech striker Milan Baros, who started in place of a rested Michael Owen, and midfielder Steven Gerrard put Liverpool 2-0 up after only nine minutes at Upton Park. Emile Heskey headed their third midway through the second half.

All three goals came from corners by Liverpool’s Norwegian wing back John Arne Riise and provided clear evidence of West Ham’s continuing defensive frailty.

Their seventh home league defeat of the season left them still second-bottom in the premier league on 20 points, one point above Sunderland.

Liverpool stay sixth with 42 points, 14 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, who beat Fulham 2-1 on Saturday.

Premier league results:

On Sunday:

Aston Villa 3 Blackburn Rovers 0

West Ham United 0 Liverpool 3

On Saturday:

Arsenal 2 Fulham 1

Bolton Wanderers 4 Birmingham City 2

Chelsea 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1

Everton 2 Leeds United 0

Manchester City 1 West Bromwich 2

Middlesbrough v Newcastle United postponed

Southampton 0 Manchester United 2

Sunderland 1 Charlton Athletic 3

—dpa/Reuters