Virgil van Dijk’s 89th-minute header moved Liverpool 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League with the winner three minutes after the Reds captain had been involved in West Ham’s equaliser at Anfield.
In a week when Van Dijk moved closer to extending his contract at the club, the captain met Alexis Mac Allister’s corner to seal a nervy victory and put his side on the brink of the title with six matches remaining.
Virgil van Dijk puts Liverpool back in front! 😱 pic.twitter.com/AMNKhnv0hV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 13, 2025
Van Dijk’s clearance had hit Andy Robertson and found the back of the net as West Ham deservedly drew level after Luis Diaz had slotted in Mohamed Salah’s cross to put Liverpool ahead in the 18th minute.
The Hammers almost levelled again during second-half added time when Niclas Fullkrug sent a header against the crossbar from a cross by Mohammed Kudus, who had an audacious attempted lob tipped against the woodwork by goalkeeper Alisson before the break.
Assist for Mo Salah 🔗
Goal for Luis Diaz ⚽️Liverpool take the lead against West Ham 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DGDsXXerYc
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 13, 2025
Liverpool vs West Ham: Hammers’ heartbreak
West Ham had lost their last nine visits to Liverpool and finished the day immediately above the relegation zone – albeit by 14 points – but Graham Potter’s team pushed their opponents all the way on a tense afternoon for the home fans.
As he edges towards becoming a champion in his first season at Liverpool, manager Arne Slot showed his relief by charging down the touchline when Van Dijk scored before celebrating with uncharacteristic animation at full-time.
Andy Robertson puts the ball into his own net! 🤯🫣 pic.twitter.com/WlMhEIsjGk
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 13, 2025
The would-be Premier League winners dominated the first half but Kudus’s effort was a warning of what was to come and Liverpool were indebted to Alisson on his return following a head injury suffered while playing for Brazil last month.
Potter switched from a back five to a more attacking formation as West Ham repeatedly threatened after the break, with Slot sending on Wataru Endo for Salah in an attempt to protect the lead.
Diaz also hit the bar after West Ham’s equaliser with a shot that took a deflection off visiting defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
What an effort from Mohammed Kudus! 😮 pic.twitter.com/F8Hzp9RFxK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 13, 2025
Mo Salah: Goals and assists record broken
Salah’s assist ensured the Egypt superstar broke the record of 44 goals and assists in a 38-game Premier League season, set by Arsenal’s Thierry Henry in 2002/03 and matched by Erling Haaland for Manchester City 20 years later.
The 32-year-old took his tally to 27 goals and 18 assists in 32 top-flight appearances in 2024/25, with a fourth Golden Boot looming large.
Salah, who announced he had extended his contract until 2027 on Friday, slid a typically perceptive low cross from the right beyond the visiting defence, allowing the Colombia winger to slot in and put Liverpool further clear of second-placed Arsenal, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Brentford on Saturday.
Liverpool fixtures
Liverpool, who require a maximum of six points to confirm their 20th title, are next in action when they visit second-bottom Leicester next Sunday (16:30 BST).
West Ham will aim to improve upon a run of two points from five games when they host relegated Southampton a day earlier (15:00).
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