Liverpool moved a step closer to winning the Premier League title on Sunday after beating West Ham United 2-1 in a dramatic match at Anfield.
Luis Diaz gave the Reds an early lead in the 18th minute, thanks to a brilliant assist from Mohamed Salah. But the visitors found a way back late in the game when Liverpool’s Andy Robertson accidentally scored an own goal in the 86th minute.
Just three minutes later, Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, scored a powerful header from Alexis Mac Allister’s corner to win the game.
The win puts Liverpool 13 points clear at the top of the table with only six matches left. If Liverpool beat Leicester next weekend and Arsenal lose to Ipswich, the Reds will be crowned champions.
Van Dijk’s celebration showed how much the goal meant. He kissed the club badge, possibly hinting that he might soon sign a new contract like Salah did earlier in the week.
Salah was warmly welcomed by fans before the match after signing a two-year contract extension. Though he didn’t score, the 32-year-old set a new Premier League record by getting his 45th goal or assist in a single 38-game season.
He created the first goal by beating young West Ham defender Ollie Scarles and delivering a perfect cross for Diaz, who scored his 15th goal of the season.
Despite being 17th in the table, West Ham gave Liverpool a tough fight. Their forwards Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen had good chances to score, but Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, made key saves.
In stoppage time, West Ham almost equalised again when Niclas Fullkrug hit the crossbar, but Liverpool held on.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was relieved after the final whistle, as his team survived a tough second half.
With the win, Liverpool are now just six points away from their 20th top-flight title.
