By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table on Sunday after a dramatic 2–1 victory over West Ham United at Anfield, with a late winner from captain Virgil van Dijk sealing the three points in a match filled with attacking flair, near-misses, and an unfortunate own goal.
The Reds began brightly, with Mohamed Salah showcasing his trademark drive and vision in the 18th minute. The Egyptian wizard weaved past defenders and fired just wide before moments later turning provider.
Salah’s incisive run drew West Ham’s defence before he laid the ball off for Luis Diaz to tap into an empty net, giving Liverpool an early 1–0 lead.
West Ham responded with determination. Just four minutes later, Mohammed Kudus nearly restored parity with a blistering effort that rattled the crossbar.
The visitors continued to threaten on the break, and Konstantinos Mavropanos came close with a header just over before the interval.
Liverpool maintained attacking pressure, but West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was equal to the task, denying Alexis Mac Allister with a superb reflex save in the 33rd minute to keep his side in the contest.
With the game finely poised, West Ham found a lifeline in the 87th minute — albeit through unexpected means. In a moment of misfortune for the hosts, Andrew Robertson inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to intercept a dangerous low cross, levelling the score at 1–1.
But Liverpool refused to be denied. Deep into regulation time, Alexis Mac Allister floated in a pinpoint corner that found Virgil van Dijk rising above the West Ham defence. The Dutchman made no mistake, steering a powerful header into the bottom corner to restore Liverpool’s lead at 2–1.
West Ham nearly snatched a point in the dying seconds. Niclas Füllkrug soared to meet a high delivery in stoppage time, only to see his header cannon off the crossbar, summing up a frustrating evening for David Moyes’ men.
The result sees Liverpool tighten their grip at the summit, while West Ham are left to rue missed opportunities and fine margins in a game that could have gone either way.
