Virgil van Dijk scored a crucial late winner as Liverpool defeated West Ham 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday, moving the Reds to within touching distance of the Premier League title.
Luis Diaz had fired Liverpool ahead in the 18th minute, tapping home after Mohamed Salah outmuscled young defender Ollie Scarles and delivered a perfect cross. The assist marked Salah’s 45th goal involvement this season — a new Premier League record for a 38-game campaign.
West Ham, battling relegation, showed resilience and eventually drew level four minutes from time when Andy Robertson mistakenly diverted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross into his own net following a mix-up with Van Dijk.
However, Liverpool responded instantly. Just three minutes after the equaliser, Van Dijk rose highest to head in Alexis Mac Allister’s corner and restore the lead. The Dutchman celebrated passionately, kissing the badge — a possible sign of his commitment to the club amid reports of a new contract.
The win extends Liverpool’s lead at the top to 13 points, with just six games left to play. They could seal a record-equalling 20th English league title as early as next Sunday, if they win at Leicester and Arsenal lose away to Ipswich.
Despite some recent fatigue in their performances, Liverpool relied on goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s brilliance to stay ahead. The Brazilian denied Mohammed Kudus twice and thwarted Jarrod Bowen in a one-on-one situation, preserving the narrow lead.
West Ham, who now sit 17th in the table, nearly grabbed a dramatic equaliser when Niclas Fullkrug hit the bar deep into stoppage time. But Liverpool held firm, taking another significant step toward securing the title in Arne Slot’s debut season at the helm.
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