Liverpool moved to potentially one win from the Premier League title as captain Virgil van Dijk’s late header helped them beat West Ham United at Anfield.
Victory means that if Arsenal lose at Ipswich next weekend, the Reds can wrap up the title by beating Leicester.
Mohamed Salah, who signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool this week, provided the assist with a splendid pass for Luis Diaz to open the scoring in 18 minutes.
But Liverpool failed to build on this, and West Ham deservedly equalised when Andy Robertson turned the ball into his own net.
However, in the 90th minute, Van Dijk – who is expected to join Salah in agreeing a new deal to stay with the club – rose highest to head home a corner and put Liverpool 13 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with just six league games to play.
It was a frantic end to a game in which Liverpool allowed control to slip from their grasp and where West Ham, who are not yet mathematically safe from relegation, came close on numerous occasions before finally scoring.
Reds keeper Alisson – passed fit after missing the loss at Fulham with concussion – made a series of fine saves throughout the game.
In the first half, he brilliantly tipped a Mohammed Kudus chip onto the crossbar, and after the break, he made crucial stops from Jarrod Bowen and Kudus again.
Liverpool nearly doubled their lead after the break when Alexis Mac Allister’s free-kick rattled the bar, while West Ham sub Niclas Fullkrug also hit the woodwork with a chance to make it 2-2.
But, while still below their best, Liverpool found the response to suffering only their second league loss of the season last weekend.
This win also mathematically ensures the Reds have qualified for the Champions League for 2025-26.
With Wolves winning, West Ham fall to 17th but are 14 points above the bottom three.
