Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk scored a crucial late goal on Sunday, securing a 2-1 victory over West Ham United and bringing his team within six points of the Premier League title.
Liverpool took an early lead when forward Luis Diaz finished a low cross from forward Mohamed Salah. Salah, who recently signed a new two-year contract, used his strength to get past West Ham’s young left-back Ollie Scarles before setting up Diaz.
The match, played with high stakes as the title race nears its end, saw Liverpool’s momentum slow down late. With just four minutes left, West Ham equalized through an own goal by Liverpool’s left-back and Scotland captain, Andy Robertson. Robertson unintentionally directed a cross from defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka into his own net after a miscommunication with van Dijk.
However, van Dijk quickly restored Liverpool’s lead just three minutes later. The Dutch defender headed in a corner kick from midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. Van Dijk celebrated by kissing the Liverpool badge, which some interpreted as a sign that he might be close to signing a new contract extension.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker had a strong performance, making important saves to protect his team’s lead. Alisson tipped a chip from West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus onto the bar and later made another good save to deny Kudus. He also stopped a one-on-one attempt from forward Jarrod Bowen.
Despite late pressure from West Ham, including a shot from striker Niclas Fullkrug that hit the bar in stoppage time, Liverpool held on to win.
The result puts Liverpool thirteen points clear at the top of the table with six games remaining. A record-equalling twentieth English top-flight title is still possible and could be secured as early as next Sunday, depending on the results of Leicester City and Arsenal’s matches.
West Ham, on the other hand, dropped to seventeenth in the standings after the loss but had created several opportunities during the match to potentially earn at least a draw.
