Player Ratings: Virgil Van Dijk Scores Late Winner as Liverpool Beat West Ham United | OneFootball

Liverpool Leave It Late Against West Ham United: Player Ratings and Match Analysis

Liverpool’s relentless pursuit of a second Premier League title under Arne Slot showed no signs of relenting on Saturday afternoon, as they edged past West Ham United 2-1 at Anfield. In a match that showcased two contrasting halves of football, it was the late intervention of Virgil van Dijk that ultimately proved decisive.

First-Half Dominance Rewarded by Diaz

For 45 minutes, this looked like a match destined to follow a predictable script. Liverpool were in complete control from the outset, imposing their rhythm and tempo with ease. Slot’s men found joy down both flanks, with Conor Bradley and Luis Diaz particularly active. The opener, when it came, was as deserved as it was inevitable.

Mohamed Salah—celebrating a fresh two-year deal—cut back intelligently for Diaz, who calmly slotted home at the far post for his tenth league goal of the season. Liverpool’s movement off the ball and pressing high up the pitch suffocated West Ham, who looked unsure of their plan beyond hopeful diagonals towards their forwards.

Tactical Tweaks Spark West Ham Revival

Credit where it’s due to Graham Potter. At half-time, the former Chelsea manager abandoned the long-ball approach and asked his side to play through midfield. The shift was immediate. Mohammed Kudus, lively in the first half but often isolated, began to operate more centrally. His interplay with Jarrod Bowen—another consistent bright spark—put Liverpool’s defence under increasing strain.

Bowen was denied by Alisson one-on-one after an incisive Paqueta through-ball, before Kudus forced a sharp save from the Brazilian moments later. It felt as if the equaliser was coming—and when it arrived in the 86th minute, it caught even West Ham fans by surprise. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross wasn’t particularly dangerous, but Andy Robertson, trying to adjust awkwardly, diverted the ball into his own net.

Van Dijk Leads by Example

Just when the momentum appeared to swing decisively in West Ham’s favour, Liverpool turned once more to their captain. With a minute of normal time remaining, Van Dijk rose highest to meet a corner and powered home a header past Areola, sealing the three points and igniting Anfield once again.

It was a goal that typified the Dutchman’s influence—not just a towering physical presence, but also a symbol of leadership at a moment of vulnerability. As speculation continues over a new contract for Van Dijk, the timing couldn’t have been better. If Salah’s extension is a statement of intent, Van Dijk’s may be the seal on a new Liverpool era.

Reds Closing in on the Title

Liverpool’s win extends their lead at the top of the table to 13 points, a cushion that offers more than just breathing room. While their second-half display lacked fluency, these are the types of wins that shape champions—gritty, determined, and secured through big moments from big players.

For West Ham United, there will be disappointment, but also encouragement. The second-half performance showed tactical maturity and resilience, even if it wasn’t rewarded with a point.

Liverpool Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)

Substitutes:

Manager: Arne Slot – 8

West Ham United Player Ratings (3-4-1-2)

Substitutes:

Manager: Graham Potter – 7

Final Thoughts

Anfield continues to be a fortress, and this Liverpool side—under new leadership—is finding new ways to win. Slot may still be early in his tenure, but results like these are shaping a campaign of real belief. As for West Ham, their tactical adaptability suggests there’s more to come, but consistency remains the challenge.