Premier League leaders Liverpool are one step closer to clinching the Premier League title following a dodgy 2-1 over West Ham United at Anfield on Sunday.
Virgil van Dijk went from lowercase-g goat back to the all-caps animal in this eyes of his fans within minutes, contributing to an own goal before thudding home the winner on a corner kick three minutes later.
WATCH – Liverpool v West Ham full match replay
Luis Diaz had given Liverpool a 1-0 halftime lead off an assist from Mohamed Salah, a day after the Egyptian signed his new contract at Anfield.
But West Ham were the better team over the duration of the second half and Aaron Wan-Bissaka helped inspire an Andy Robertson own goal to make it 1-1 in the 86th minute.
Liverpool are now two wins (or a win and an Arsenal loss) from winning their 20th top-flight title. The Reds boast a 13-point lead over second-place Arsenal, while 17th-place West Ham sink behind Wolves on tiebreakers.
More to come…
What’s next?
Liverpool go to Leicester City at 11:30am ET Sunday, where they can win the Premier League should Arsenal drop points to Ipswich Town earlier that day.
West Ham host Southampton at 10am Saturday.
How to watch Liverpool vs West Ham live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 9am ET Sunday (April 13)
Venue: Anfield — Liverpool
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
Liverpool vs West Ham final score: 2-1
Luis Diaz 19′, Andy Robertson o.g. 86′, Virgil van Dijk 89′
Liverpool vs West Ham live updates — By Nick Mendola
Full time — Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
Mohamed Salah can afford any meal and Alisson, too, but neither should pay for a thing around their teammates tonight.
Virgil van Dijk goal — Liverpool 2-1 West Ham (89th minute)
Off a corner kick, Van Dijk thuds a header home.
Niclas Fullkrug was nudged by the center back but VAR will not intervene and Van Dijk has made amends for his error on the own goal.
Van Dijk’s header lifts Liverpool 2-1 ahead
Captain Virgil van Dijk turns into Liverpool’s hero at Anfield with a header off a set piece to give the Reds a 2-1 lead over West Ham late in the second half.
Own goal! Liverpool 1-1 West Ham (86th minute)
Andy Robertson is furious.
He’s called off Virgil van Dijk in a bid to clear Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross, but Van Dijk puts it off Robertson and beyond Alisson.
Robertson’s own goal brings West Ham level
It’s game on at Anfield as Andy Robertson’s late own goal has the Hammers on level terms with Liverpool at Anfield.
Liverpool remain on their heels
Luis Guilherme has come into the game in a real threatening way, and Liverpool is just kinda blah.
We’re into the 81st minute.
Alisson again
Mohammed Kudus nearly had it 1-1 after another Liverpool mistake.
The sleepy Reds are bailed out again by Alisson, who has quickly become their Man of the Match.
Liverpool subs
Out go Curtis Jones and Conor Bradley.
In come Dominik Szoboszlai and Jarell Quansah.
68′.
Alisson!
Jarrod Bowen makes a perfect run to meet a terrific through ball, but Alisson keeps his shape enough and uses his chest to block the West Ham man’s high shot.
Liverpool subs
Tsimikas and Jota exit for Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool still leading but looking lethargic. 60′.
West Ham sub
Vladimir Coufal takes the place of Oliver Scarles at fullback.
West Ham have had more joy in the second half, but trail 1-0 in the 58th minute.
Halftime — Liverpool 1-0 West Ham United
West Ham could’ve countered their way to a goal, as there was some danger there, but some moments betrayed them.
That said, it’s been almost all Liverpool and was only missing a Mohamed Salah goal.
Fantastic save!
Alisson Becker is dealing with an annoying Edson Alvarez at the front post when he sees Mohammed Kudus cue up an audacious spinning chip.
And the ball is going in, only for Alisson to get back into positions and slap the would-be West Ham equalizer off the bar.
Wonderful stuff from Liverpool’s No. 1.
Luis Diaz goal — Liverpool 1-0 West Ham (19th minute)
Mohamed Salah doing his thing in his first game since signing a new deal at Liverpool.
The Egyptian drives down the flank and crosses for his Premier League-leading 18th assist, the ball dummied by Diogo Jota for Luis Diaz to slot home.
It’s Diaz’s 11th PL goal of the season.
Liverpool lineup
Alisson, Tsimikas, Konate, Van Dijk, Bradley, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Diaz, Salah, Jota
West Ham lineup
Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Mavropanos, Todibo, Scarles, Ward-Prowse, Soler, Paqueta, Bowen, Kudus
Liverpool vs West Ham preview
Arne Slot’s side lost 3-2 at Fulham last Sunday as their 26-game unbeaten run ended but they are still 10 points clear of second-place Arsenal with seven games to go. Defensive mistakes were plentiful against Fulham, which will have annoyed Slot but there are still so many positives. Especially given that Mohamed Salah has signed a new contract and Virgil van Dijk is reportedly close to joining him in extending his stay at Anfield.
West Ham drew 2-2 at home against Bournemouth last weekend as Graham Potter continues to try new things and give players a chance to impress ahead of his first full season in charge in 2025-26. West Ham sit 16th in the table and need a positive finish to the season to take some momentum into what is a huge summer for Potter as he aims to really kick things on.
Liverpool team news, focus
Conor Bradley could come in at right back as he’s almost fully fit. The trio of Mac Allister, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai could continue in central midfield but Curtis Jones could move back into midfield. Mohamed Salah is chasing all kinds of personal records in the final weeks of the season so will keep on driving forward to grab more goals and assists.
OUT: Trent Alexander-Arnold (foot), Joe Gomez (thigh – MORE)
West Ham team news, focus
Niclas Fullkrug came on and scored a beauty of a header last time out as he’s finally fit again. Potter will be toying with the idea of starting Fullkrug and Bowen up top centrally, with Kudus and Paqueta in support. That will make the Hammers very dangerous on the counter.
OUT: Aaron Cresswell (muscular), Michail Antonio (MORE), Crysencio Summerville (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Niclas Fullkrug (fitness)
Liverpool vs West Ham prediction
This will probably be a lot closer than most expect but Liverpool’s attacking talents will be too much for West Ham to handle in the end. Liverpool 3-1 West Ham.
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