Liverpool edged closer to securing the Premier League title after a thrilling 2-1 win over West Ham on Sunday, with Virgil van Dijk scoring a late winner to keep their hopes alive.
Liverpool got off to a strong start in the match, with Luis Diaz finding the back of the net in the 18th minute. The Colombian forward capitalized on a perfect cross from Mohamed Salah, who displayed his strength and skill to get past West Ham’s Ollie Scarles and deliver the assist. Diaz’s goal marked his 15th of the season, giving Liverpool an early lead.
However, West Ham, who have been struggling near the bottom of the table, fought back and were rewarded with a late equalizer. In the 86th minute, a mishap between Liverpool defenders Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk allowed West Ham to score. Robertson, attempting to clear a cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, ended up redirecting the ball into his own net, leaving the game tied at 1-1.
The drama didn’t end there. Just minutes later, Liverpool showed their resilience. Van Dijk, who had been responsible for the own goal, quickly redeemed himself by heading in a corner from Alexis Mac Allister in the 89th minute to restore Liverpool’s lead.
Van Dijk’s powerful header was too much for West Ham’s goalkeeper to handle, and the Dutch defender celebrated with a kiss to the Liverpool badge, a gesture that seemed to signal his commitment to the club amid speculation of a contract extension.
With the win, Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 13 points, and they are now just six points away from clinching the title with six games remaining. Their next match against Leicester could bring them even closer, especially if Arsenal lose to Ipswich. A victory next week could see Liverpool seal their 20th English top-flight title, tying a long-standing record.
