In the years ahead – when Liverpool fans recall their 20th English crown – this particular afternoon may not linger in memory. Instead, they’ll see a league table that reflects dominance and remember how the Premier League was sewn up before April gave way to May.
But what unfolded at a breathless, nerve-ridden Anfield was a side staring down the barrel of disaster, only to veer away just in time – somehow clinging to hope and finding a way back toward glory.
Had Liverpool drawn here, the gap to Arsenal would have stayed at eleven with six left. Surely enough to finish the job?
Yet football rarely follows logic, and those present – players and fans alike – understand that better than most after this extraordinary game.
Moments like these exist more in the mind than on the pitch, and at 1-1 with just one minute left, Liverpool’s composure had completely unravelled.
They’d taken an early lead through Luis Diaz and had dominated West Ham in every phase, but anxiety slowly crept in and consumed them until they looked like a shadow of themselves.
A dramatic late goal pushed Liverpool past West Ham and closer to lifting the Premier League trophy.
That goal came from none other than captain Virgil van Dijk in the 89th minute, sending Anfield into euphoric celebration.
West Ham had drawn level in the 84th minute, and it felt inevitable. It was a disaster for the home side, especially as it came via an Andy Robertson own goal. Retracing the buildup, it was clear many in red had faltered.
Anfield was shocked but not blindsided. Sometimes, players forget how to perform, and teams forget how to win.
Liverpool – who’d lost at Fulham a week ago and stumbled in two major cup fixtures – were teetering, and this was where that descent had brought them.
That’s why salvaging this result mattered. Without it, an ugly week of soul-searching would’ve followed. Where would the next win come from? Leicester away looks easy on paper, but so did this – and look how that turned out.
In the end, it was Van Dijk who came to the rescue, though it wasn’t just him. The whole team found a sudden jolt of urgency and life. It’s strange how things shift. For thirty minutes they’d been passive, retreating under the weight of their doubts, even fear. But desperation can be a strange motivator. The mind and sport, entwined again.
Diaz nearly scored, then Alexis Mac Allister forced a corner with a sharp drive. Van Dijk rose to meet the delivery and smashed a header into the net from close range. The Kop erupted.
There were still seven agonising minutes of added time. And they weren’t comfortable. West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug – nudged slightly by Van Dijk before the goal but not enough for a foul – almost equalised with a looping header that beat Alisson and hit the bar in the 94th.
Yes, sometimes a little luck is vital – and this was Liverpool’s. Alisson wasn’t saving that one.
Earlier, the Brazilian – returning after concussion – had little to do. With Arsenal slipping the day before and Mo Salah’s contract extension announced, Liverpool began full of confidence. They looked like title winners for the opening half hour. Sharper than at Fulham, better even than against Everton the game before.
Slot’s men were slick and precise, their movement crisp. Diaz and Curtis Jones both tested the keeper early. Conor Bradley had a shot deflected. Salah beautifully brought down a long Konate pass and curled just wide.
Salah was tormenting 19-year-old Ollie Scarles, who kept trying to nip in front and failing. When he tried again in the 18th, Salah darted away, crossed low, and Diaz converted at the back post.
West Ham almost struck back right away – Alisson tipping a Kudus chip onto the bar. Before the break, Mavropanos headed a corner over. These were isolated scares. Mac Allister nearly made it two, first with a close-range volley, then with a 46th-minute free kick that struck the bar.
A second Liverpool goal would’ve killed the tension. But it didn’t come, and with no cushion, Liverpool fell back physically and mentally. West Ham sensed the moment and began to take charge. Lucas Paqueta started pulling strings, and Potter’s side fed off it.
Carlos Soler might’ve scored after a Van Dijk error, but Alisson produced a brilliant stop. Then Paqueta broke away from Diaz and slipped in Bowen, only for Alisson to save again.
Liverpool were tiring, and eventually they faltered. Sub Jarell Quansah left space for Wan-Bissaka, whose cross to the near post caused chaos. Van Dijk and Robertson collided and the ball went in off the latter’s shin.
Robertson raged at Van Dijk’s role in West Ham’s equaliser.