Liverpool 2 – 1 West Ham United
Liverpool moved 13 points clear of second-placed Arsenal in the league table.
It was an electrifying start at Anfield, with Liverpool playing aggressively from the first whistle. West Ham soon responded with counter-attacks of their own, turning the match into a thrilling battle. A defensive slip later raised concern for the Reds, but Virgil van Dijk’s late header steered Arne Slot’s men closer to the Premier League title.
The Reds secured a 2-1 win over West Ham United on Sunday. Luis Díaz gave the hosts the early lead, but a freak own goal leveled the score late on. Just minutes later, Van Dijk rose to the occasion, powering in a header to restore Liverpool’s lead and spark wild celebrations.
Last week, Liverpool suffered a 3-2 defeat at home to Fulham. But this win sees Slot’s side return to the top with greater authority—23 wins and 7 draws from 32 matches now put them on 76 points. Arsenal are second with 63 from the same number of games.
Liverpool applied relentless pressure from the outset. In the 6th minute, Luis Díaz forced a fine save from the goalkeeper. Conor Bradley’s attempt moments later was blocked, and Mohamed Salah’s follow-up missed the mark.
In the 18th minute, the breakthrough came. Salah threaded a short pass into the box, and Colombian forward Díaz calmly finished. It was his 11th league goal of the season.
That goal also marked a historic moment for Salah. He set a new Premier League record for most goal involvements in a 38-game season—45 combined goals and assists—surpassing Thierry Henry’s 2002–03 and Erling Haaland’s 2022–23 joint record of 44.
West Ham almost responded instantly. Mohammed Kudus’s lobbed shot was on target but deflected off Alisson’s hand and onto the crossbar. The Ghanaian came close again just before halftime with a shot that missed by inches.
Early in the second half, Alexis Mac Allister had a golden chance to double Liverpool’s lead from a free kick, but the keeper tipped it onto the crossbar. Minutes later, Mac Allister was denied again by Alphonse Areola, who stretched brilliantly to palm away his curling effort.
In the 71st minute, Kudus tested Alisson once more with a stinging shot, but the Brazilian keeper made a diving save to deny him.
Then came an unfortunate moment for Liverpool in the 86th minute. Attempting to clear a cross from the left, Van Dijk’s touch deflected off teammate Andy Robertson and into their own net.
But Liverpool bounced back almost immediately. Díaz came close to scoring again, his shot deflecting onto the bar. The winner came just moments later. From a Mac Allister corner, Van Dijk atoned for the earlier own goal with a powerful header to give Liverpool a 2-1 lead.
West Ham nearly found a dramatic equalizer, but a late header from Nicolas struck the bar, dashing their hopes. With this comeback win, Liverpool take a big step toward reclaiming the Premier League crown.
The title could be confirmed as early as the next round for the team known as “The All Reds.”
In another match that kicked off at the same time, Chelsea came from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Ipswich Town. With 54 points from 32 matches, Chelsea sit fifth—one behind Manchester City in fourth (55 points) and two behind third-placed Nottingham Forest (57 points).
