Liverpool vs West Ham LIVE: Van Dijk rescues Reds after late Robertson own goal in Premier League | OneFootball

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Slot delight at Salah new contract

Virgil van Dijk’s thumping header kept Liverpool on course to win the Premier League title moments after Andy Robertson’s own goal looked to have earned West Ham a point at Anfield.

Van Dijk rose highest to score in front of the Kop and extend Liverpool’s lead in the Premier League to 13 points, salvaging what had turned into a frustrating afternoon for the Premier League leaders.

Van Dijk’s clearance had rattled into Robertson in the 87th minute and it was no less than what West Ham deserved after a scrappy second half from Arne Slot’s champions elect.

Mohamed Salah had celebrated his contract extension by setting up Luis Diaz’s first-half opener with a stylish cross, but Liverpool struggled until Van Dijk’s 89th minute winner.

It means Liverpool are now within six points of winning the Premier League title after Arsenal’s draw against Brentford yesterday - and it could even be all over next weekend.

Virgil van Dijk on contract talks

"I can tell you that I am very proud to captain my 100th game for Liverpool and it was an emotional day because of the Hillsborough anniversary,” he told Sky Sports.

“That was the main focus - to get three points and get a step closer to all of our dreams. Not just us as players or staff, but everyone connected to Liverpool FC.

"Everyone knows how much I love this club so let's see what next week will look like."

Will Castle13 April 2025 18:00

Virgil van Dijk delivers priceless Liverpool moment - and new contract ‘will be next’

There will come a point, perhaps in the next few days, when Virgil van Dijk puts pen to paper. There will be a time, probably in the few weeks, when he lifts the Premier League trophy. It if it shaping up as an eventful April for the footballer who will become the first Dutchman to skipper a side to the English title, its most dramatic few minutes may already have occurred.

Liverpool were wobbling, three minutes after conceding. Often immaculate, Van Dijk had been culpable, clearing Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross into Andy Robertson and seeing it roll past the previously unbeatable Alisson for an own goal.

“Time to make it right,” Van Dijk said. A man who tends to exude authority restored order. Van Dijk headed in Alexis Mac Allister’s 89th-minute corner, leading by authority, marking his 100th Premier League game as captain by taking his team to the brink of the title. “One step closer to all of our dreams,” he added.

Richard Jolly13 April 2025 17:37

Van Dijk steps up when it matters most

Will Castle13 April 2025 17:00

What it means in the title race

Liverpool are now a maximum of just six points off a 20th Premier League title.

Today’s win means that if the Reds beat relegation-destined Leicester next weekend, they can seal the title at Anfield against Tottenham on April 27 - and that’s if Arsenal don’t drop points again.

Arne Slot will know today was anything but convincing, but those scraped results are the sort of wins required to become champions of England.

Will Castle13 April 2025 16:40