Liverpool vs West Ham Review
Liverpool made significant progress towards securing their second Premier League title in five years with a hard-fought 2-1 win over West Ham, who have only managed to win once in their last 58 matches at Anfield across all competitions. After Arsenal’s recent setback, Liverpool recognized the chance to position themselves close to a 20th league title. Following Salah’s contract extension earlier in the week, every touch from the Egyptian was met with enthusiasm, particularly his 18th assist of the season, which allowed Luis Díaz to score in the 18th minute. This goal also marked a milestone for Salah, as he set a record for the most goal contributions in a 38-game Premier League season with a total of 45.
West Ham nearly equalized as Carlos Soler was thwarted in a one-on-one situation, just before Mohammed Kudus tried to lob Alisson from afar, with the Brazilian keeper barely managing to deflect the ball onto the crossbar. The Hammers kept searching for an equalizer, nearly finding it just before halftime when James Ward-Prowse sent a perfectly placed corner to Konstantinos Mavropanos, who headed just over the bar. After the break, Liverpool came out strong, nearly increasing their lead with a powerful shot from Alexis Mac Allister that forced Alphonse Areola to tip the ball onto the post.
The Reds had not lost any of their last 152 Premier League home games when leading at halftime, a streak that dates back to December 2009, and it seemed like they would maintain this record in the early part of the second half. However, as the hour mark neared, Graham Potter’s team intensified their efforts and created several chances to equalize. First, Soler shot over the bar after being set up by Jarrod Bowen in the box, and then Bowen was sent through on goal by Lucas Paquetá, but Alisson was in top form, denying the Hammers forward.
The home team appeared fatigued in the final moments of the match, giving West Ham the opportunity to take control and excel in the later stages. This shift in momentum resulted in an own goal by Andrew Robertson, who inadvertently redirected Virgil van Dijk’s clearance into his own net.
Nevertheless, as they have frequently done in front of their fans at the Kop, the Reds managed to secure a late victory. Van Dijk found himself in the box to head in a goal from Mac Allister’s corner, marking Slot’s 36th win in 50 matches and extending his team’s lead to 13 points with only six games left to play.
