Liverpool leave it late to beat West Ham as Mohamed Salah breaks English Premier League record
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LIVERPOOL – Virgil van Dijk spared Liverpool’s blushes with a late headed winner to beat West Ham United 2-1 on April 13 and edge to within six points of the English Premier League title.
Andy Robertson’s own goal four minutes from time had given the lowly Hammers a deserved equaliser after Luis Diaz put Liverpool in front early on.
Van Dijk, though, swiftly restored the lead to show Liverpool retain the mentality of champions, even if they are running out of steam in the closing stages of the season.
Liverpool’s lead stretches to 13 points with six games remaining.
A record-equalling 20th English top-flight title could come as early as April 20, if Liverpool win at Leicester City and Arsenal lose away to Ipswich Town.
The stage was set before kick-off for Mohamed Salah to be the hero, as the Egyptian was given a huge ovation just days after ending speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract.
After the match, he said he hoped van Dijk would follow suit, noting: “I am glad we managed to do that (contract) before the end of the season.
“Hopefully, Virgil will be next. He can do whatever he wants but I would love to play with him next season.”
The 33-year-old Dutchman was more coy when quizzed about the status of his own contract talks, saying: “I can tell you I’m very proud today to captain my 100th game for Liverpool.
“And it was an emotional day, because of the Hillsborough anniversary.
“The main focus was to get three points, and get a little closer to all of our dreams. Everyone knows how much I love this club, and let’s see what next week will look like.”
Salah started with the intention of making sure he was the focus of attention, as young left-back Ollie Scarles struggled to cope with the Premier League’s top scorer.
The 32-year-old has failed to score in seven of his last eight Liverpool games as his sensational early season form faded.
But he still managed to set a new Premier League record by registering his 45th goal or assist of the campaign, the most ever in a 38-game season.
Salah outmuscled Scarles on the touchline and sprinted clear before an inch-perfect cross for Diaz allowed the Colombian to tap in for his 15th goal of the season on 18 minutes.
West Ham had a series of chances to take at least a point, but defeat means they now slip to 17th in the table.
The fatigue that has seen Liverpool struggle in recent times was in evidence again, as they had goalkeeper Alisson Becker to thank for moving another three points closer to the title.
Alisson brilliantly tipped Mohammed Kudus’ attempted chip onto the bar, the visitors’ first serious attack.
Jarrod Bowen had West Ham’s best chance to level when he failed to beat Alisson in a one-on-one, before the Brazilian turned away another powerful drive by Kudus.
When the Hammers did finally find the net, it was thanks to two of Liverpool’s most experienced defenders.
Robertson and van Dijk both went for the same ball and the Scotland captain diverted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross into his own net.
On the own goal, van Dijk said: “I heard him shout... these things unfortunately happen”.
He added: “There was time to make it right and luckily we did. On to the next.”
The goal suddenly sparked Liverpool into life after a listless second half as Diaz’s deflected effort went over the bar.
Van Dijk took just three minutes to make amends for the equaliser as he powered in Alexis Mac Allister’s corner.
The Dutchman kissed the badge in celebration in a potential nod to him reportedly being close to following Salah in signing a new contract.
There was still more drama to come as Niclas Fullkrug hit the bar for West Ham in stoppage time.
But Liverpool held out to take another step towards the title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge.
Said Salah: “West Ham are a good team, they have a good plan, they played better in the second half. They managed to score, and in those circumstances the most important thing was to win the game. Thankfully, we did that.” AFP
