Liverpool took a significant step towards securing their second Premier League title in five years with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over West Ham United at Anfield. The win extended West Ham’s dismal record at Anfield, where they have only won once in their last 58 visits.
With Arsenal’s recent slip-up, Liverpool knew they had a golden opportunity to solidify their title aspirations. The home side, buoyed by Mohamed Salah’s contract extension, started brightly. Salah, in record-breaking form, provided a crucial assist for Luis Diaz to open the scoring in the 18th minute, marking his 45th goal contribution of the season.
West Ham, however, responded with determination. Carlos Soler was denied one-on-one, and Mohammed Kudus’s audacious lob was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Alisson. Konstantinos Mavropanos also came close with a header just before halftime.
Liverpool began the second half with renewed intensity. Alexis Mac Allister’s powerful strike forced a spectacular save from Alphonse Areola, who tipped the ball onto the woodwork. Despite Liverpool’s strong home record when leading at halftime, West Ham continued to threaten.
Graham Potter’s side created several opportunities to equalize. Carlos Soler missed a chance in the box, and Alisson denied Jarrod Bowen with a crucial save. West Ham’s persistence paid off when Andrew Robertson inadvertently turned the ball into his own net after a Virgil van Dijk clearance.
However, Liverpool, as they have done so many times at Anfield, found a late winner. Van Dijk headed home from Mac Allister’s corner, securing a vital victory. The win moved Liverpool 13 points clear at the top of the table with only six games remaining, putting them in a commanding position to claim the title. The match was a tense affair, highlighting Liverpool’s resilience and determination to secure the Premier League crown.
