Liverpool edged closer to their 20th Premier League title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. Virgil van Dijk emerged as the hero, redeeming himself for an earlier error by scoring a decisive late header to secure all three points for Arne Slot’s men.
The match began with a poignant minute’s silence to mark the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, setting a sombre yet determined tone for the afternoon. Liverpool started brightly, buoyed by Mohamed Salah’s contract extension earlier in the week. Salah wasted no time showcasing his brilliance, tormenting West Ham left-back Ollie Scarles. In the 18th minute, the Egyptian winger delivered a sublime outside-of-the-boot cross that bypassed the defence and found Luis Diaz at the edge of the six-yard box for a simple tap-in. The assist marked Salah’s record-breaking 45th goal involvement in a single Premier League season.
West Ham responded with resilience, coming close to equalising when Mohammed Kudus attempted an audacious lob over Alisson Becker. The Liverpool keeper scrambled back to tip the ball onto the crossbar, maintaining his team’s lead. Despite Liverpool’s dominance on the right flank, West Ham posed occasional threats through set-pieces and counterattacks, but the first half ended with the Reds holding a narrow advantage.
The second half saw West Ham grow into the game as Liverpool appeared to take their foot off the gas, not for the first time this season. Alexis Mac Allister nearly doubled Liverpool’s lead early on with a free kick that rattled the crossbar, but West Ham continued to press forward. Jarrod Bowen and Carlos Soler both had chances thwarted by Alisson, who was instrumental in keeping Liverpool ahead during this period of pressure.
The breakthrough for West Ham came in the 86th minute. A mix-up between Van Dijk and Andy Robertson from a West Ham cross resulted in the Scotsman inadvertently scoring an own goal. The equaliser silenced the home crowd and set up a nervy finish for Liverpool.
Fortunately, Liverpool responded immediately to the setback. Just three minutes later, Van Dijk made amends for his earlier error by rising to meet Mac Allister’s corner, powering his header past Areola in front of the Kop. The Reds captain celebrated passionately, kissing his badge as Anfield erupted in equal measures of relief and joy.
The win extends the lead over second-placed Arsenal to 13 points with six matches remaining, meaning they now require just two more wins to clinch their 20th league title.
