WEST HAM’s relegation worries deepened once again after a miserable 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Former Hammer Yossi Benayoun and striker David Ngog struck before the break to set the hosts on their way before Robert Green scored an unfortunate own goal on the hour to seal the victory.

West Ham never looked like threatening Pepe Reina’s goal, with Carlton Cole’s effort in the second half the closest they came, but the Spanish keeper was up to the task, blocking the striker’s shot.

Benayoun had given Liverpool the lead in odd fashion, converting Steven Gerrard’s cross in the 19th minute off his stomach.

Ngog doubled the lead ten minutes later, wrapping his foot around Maxi Rodriguez’s cross and powering his shot past Green.

Gianfranco Zola admitted he would be getting ‘drunk’ after a draw at Everton and a home win over Sunderland last week, but he may be drowning his sorrows after this chastening defeat.

Further salt was rubbed into the wound when Gerrard’s cross was connected with by Sotiros Kyrgiakos, but the defender’s attempt came back off the woodwork, only for the ball to strike Green’s left leg and rebounding back into the goal.

The loss leaves West Ham just three points above the drop zone, although Hull City, in 18th, have a game in hand.