Captain Virgil van Dijk’s late header in Sunday’s thrilling 2-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield put Liverpool within striking reach of winning the Premier League. Liverpool’s lead at the top increased to 13 points over second-place Arsenal with six games left after the outcome and Tottenham’s 2-4 loss to Wolves.
After a disappointing run of results that included losses to Fulham, Newcastle, and Paris Saint-Germain, the Reds bounced back with a tough showing. With an incredible run from halfway, Mohamed Salah set off Liverpool’s attack in the eighteenth minute. He then passed a perfectly timed ball to Luis Diaz, who tapped it in from close range.
Liverpool was momentarily tied in the 86th minute by an awful own goal from Andy Robertson that deflected off Van Dijk, but redemption came quickly after. A crucial victory was sealed three minutes later as Van Dijk climbed to meet Alexis Mac Allister’s corner.
Liverpool edge closer to Premier League glory
Should Arsenal lose to Ipswich earlier that day, Liverpool might be declared champions as early as next Sunday. There are six rounds left, and the Merseyside club leads the standings by 13 points. The signing of a new two-year deal by top scorer Mohamed Salah put an end to any doubts about his future, and victory capped off a week of festivities for Liverpool fans.
He kept up his incredible play this season to cross for Diaz’s first goal in the eighteenth minute, capping off that new contract in style. Statistician Opta reports that it was his 45th goal or assist in the league this season, setting a new record for a 38-game Premier League campaign. The home crowd gave him a standing ovation when he exited the field late in the game.
West Ham had two chances to tie the score before Roberton’s own goal. In the first half, Mohammed Kudus struck the crossbar, and then after the interval, Alisson stopped Jarrod Bowen when he was through on goal.
