Liverpool can step a step closer to lifting the Premier League title if they beat West Ham United at Anfield but the confirmation of Mohamed Salah’s contract extension may mean it’s already party time on Merseyside.
The news of Salah’s new deal has given the Reds a timely boost after last weekend’s defeat at Fulham, and Arne Slot’s side now have the chance to move 13 points clear of Arsenal with a win this afternoon. The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford yesterday.
It leaves Liverpool three wins away from securing the title with seven games remaining this season and they will face a West Ham team have are without a win in their last four league games under Graham Potter. The Hammers have lost their last nine trips to Anfield and have only one win there from their past 57 visits.
Follow the latest updates from Liverpool vs West Ham below
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham
21 mins: OFF THE BAR! So nearly an equaliser!
West Ham try to set Soler through but Alisson gets there first. The ball then comes to Kudus who attempts a cheeky lob, but the Brazilian scampers back and gets a crucial tip onto the crossbar.
A warning sign for Liverpool.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 West Ham
18 mins: GOAL! He didn’t score it, but that goal was ALL about Mo Salah!
The Egyptian once again gets the better of Scarles and runs down the wing before curling a beautiful outside-the-boot pass into Diaz to tap home!
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
17 mins: CLOSE! So nearly a trademark Mo Salah goal to mark his extension!
The Egyptian brings the ball down brilliantly and skips past Scarles to put it on his favoured left foot – he then bends one but it goes just past the post.
Liverpool starting brightly
A bright start from Liverpool, with Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley coming close.
West Ham look intent on a damage-limitation exercise, which is perhaps understandable as they have already conceded 10 goals to Liverpool this season.
Julen Lopetegui didn’t enjoy his meetings with Liverpool. Graham Potter is trying to show more resilience.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
14 mins: CLOSE! Conor Bradley receives it on the edge of the box and drills an effort towards the bottom left corner, just slips wide of the post.
That would have been some way to mark your return to action.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
12 mins: Todibo clatters into Luis Diaz before clamping Alexis Mac Allister to concede a free-kick.
From that, Lucas Paqueta slips and takes out Michael Oliver! Luckily, the ref opts not to take a leaf out of Tony Chapron’s book (if you know, you know) and laughs it off.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
10 mins: Liverpool not rushing things at the moment, just ticking it around the back and patiently waiting for something to open up.
Every time West Ham gain possession, they’re losing it instantly.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
8 mins: Jones slips it through to Salah to chase, well-defended to prevent the Egyptian from stepping in front of his man and going one-on-one.
Nothing comes from the corner.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
6 mins: Luis Diaz wriggles clear and tries to curl one, Areola dives across to make the save.
Liverpool have started brightly.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
3 mins: Luis Diaz whips one in from the top-left corner of the box, Kilman gets there first and nods out for a corner.
The delivery falls to Curtis Jones who dinks it back into the area – a Liverpool head wins it but the knock-down fails to threaten. Chance goes awry.