Liverpool, England (AP) — Virgil van Dijk netted a crucial late goal against West Ham on Sunday, propelling Liverpool closer to the Premier League title. The 2-1 victory at Anfield brings Arne Slot’s side within six points of securing a record-equalling 20th English league title, putting them on par with Manchester United’s tally. Initially, Liverpool seemed set for a draw after an own goal by Andrew Robinson in the 86th minute canceled out Luis Diaz’s opener. However, captain Van Dijk rose to the occasion, heading in the winning goal in the 89th minute to capitalize on Arsenal’s slip-up the day before.
Elsewhere, Chelsea clawed back from a 2-0 deficit against relegation-threatened Ipswich to salvage a 2-2 draw, while Wolves bolstered their bid for survival with a 4-2 triumph over Tottenham, moving above West Ham on goal difference to 16th place in the standings.
Liverpool could clinch the title as early as next Sunday if Arsenal falter against Ipswich earlier in the day. With a commanding 13-point lead at the summit and just six matches remaining, Liverpool fans had more reason to celebrate after Mohamed Salah committed his future to the club by signing a new two-year contract. Salah, who notched his 45th goal or assist of the season with an assist to Diaz, set a new benchmark for contributions in a 38-game Premier League campaign.
West Ham threatened to level the score before the late drama unfolded, with Mohammed Kudus hitting the woodwork in the first half and Jarrod Bowen being thwarted by Alisson in the second period.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Andre Onana was omitted from Manchester United’s squad for the Newcastle game following recent errors, with coach Ruben Amorim emphasizing the importance of managing both the physical and mental aspects of a player’s performance.
United marked their 4,000th game in the top flight, joining Everton, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa as the only clubs to reach this milestone.
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