Virgil van Dijk’s thumping header kept Liverpool on course to win the Premier League title moments after Andy Robertson’s own goal looked to have earned West Ham a point at Anfield.
Van Dijk rose highest to score in front of the Kop and extend Liverpool’s lead in the Premier League to 13 points, salvaging what had turned into a frustrating afternoon for the Premier League leaders.
Van Dijk’s clearance had rattled into Robertson in the 87th minute and it was no less than what West Ham deserved after a scrappy second half from Arne Slot’s champions elect.
Mohamed Salah had celebrated his contract extension by setting up Luis Diaz’s first-half opener with a stylish cross, but Liverpool struggled until Van Dijk’s 89th minute winner.
It means Liverpool are now within six points of winning the Premier League title after Arsenal’s draw against Brentford yesterday – and it could even be all over next weekend.
Follow the latest updates from Liverpool vs West Ham below
NEXT UP: Newcastle vs Man United
Today’s Premier League action is far from over as we now move our attention to St. James’s Park, where Newcastle lock horns with Man United.
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Liverpool move a step closer to Premier League immortality – even if it wasn’t pretty
Nervy and unconvincing, perhaps, but Liverpool are a step closer. They only need six points now.
And it was fitting that Virgil van Dijk, who will lift the title, scored the goal that took them a step closer. It was fitting in a different way that Alexis Mac Allister, the best player on the pitch, got the assist.
West Ham may have deserved a point but Liverpool got all three.
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
Liverpool are TWO WINS AWAY from winning the Premier League title!
The Reds come away with an unconvincing victory as Virgil van Dijk’s late header nicks all three points for the league leaders, this time able to capitalise on Arsenal’s blunder against Brentford.
That moves them 13 points clear atop the division, with a 20th league title on the very near horizon!
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
90+7 mins: Alisson claims a cross from the left. That could be enough to see Liverpool through.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
90+6 mins: Yellow card for Coufal who shows dissent after committing foul.
Into the last of the seven added minutes – can Liverpool hold on?
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
90+4 mins: OFF THE BAR! Another scare for Liverpool!
Fullkrug heads onto the bar as West Ham threaten to equalise again.
This is as nervy as it gets.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
90+1 mins: It’s been a crazy end climax at Anfield.
West Ham were deserving of their equaliser, but it’s like these that make champions.
It’s not over yet though – Liverpool have SEVEN minutes to hold on.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
89 mins: GOAL! LIVERPOOL PROVE WHY THEY’RE CHAMPIONS-ELECT!
It’s Virgil van Dijk who goes from zero to hero, heading in past Areola from the corner.
A HUGE goal for the Reds!
GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
86 mins: GOAL! ANDY ROBERTSON KNOCKS INTO HIS OWN NET!
It’s a horror show at the back as Robertson and Van Dijk fail to communicate, effectively tackling each other as the ball trickles past Alisson into the Liverpool net.
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham
82 mins: Virgil van Dijk just channeled Liverpool’s own Paddy Pimblett to knee teammate Robertson in the head, leaving him a bit worse for wear.
A sore one but he’s back up and looks ok.
Meanwhile, here comes Liverpool’s finisher. Wataru Endo comes on for Mo Salah, who gets a standing ovation.