Liverpool moved to potentially one win from the English Premier League title as captain Virgil van Dijk’s late header helped them beat West Ham United 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday.
Victory means that if Arsenal lose at Ipswich next weekend, the Reds can wrap up the title by beating Leicester.
Mohamed Salah, who signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool this week, provided the assist with a splendid pass for Luis Diaz to open the scoring on 18 minutes.
But Liverpool failed to build on this and West Ham deservedly equalised when Andy Robertson turned the ball into his own net.
However, in the 90th minute Van Dijk – who is expected to join Salah in agreeing a new deal to stay with the club – rose highest to head home a corner and put Liverpool 13 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with just six league games to play.
It was a frantic end to a match in which Liverpool allowed control to slip from their grasp and where West Ham, who are not yet mathematically safe from relegation, came close on numerous occasions before finally scoring.
Reds keeper Alisson – passed fit after missing the loss at Fulham with concussion – made a series of fine saves throughout the game.
In the first half he brilliantly tipped a Mohammed Kudus chip on to the crossbar, and after the break he made crucial stops from Jarrod Bowen and Kudus again.
Liverpool nearly doubled their lead after the break when Alexis Mac Allister’s free-kick rattled the bar, while West Ham sub Niclas Fullkrug also hit the woodwork with a chance to make it 2-2.
But, while still below their best, Liverpool found the response to suffering only their second league loss of the season last weekend. This win also mathematically ensures the Reds have qualified for the UEFA Champions League for 2025-2026.
With Wolves winning 4-2 over Tottenham, West Ham fall to 17th but are 14 points above the relegation places.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were dented with the Blues held to a 2-2 draw against Ipswich at Stamford Bridge, also on Sunday.
Despite Chelsea’s early dominance, it was Ipswich who took the lead when on-loan Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso poked home Ben Johnson’s cross to score his first goal for the club.
Enciso turned provider for Ipswich’s second, chipping a brilliant ball to the back post for Johnson to head in his first goal of the season and give the visitors a two-goal lead at the break.
An Axel Tuanzebe own goal 20 seconds into the second half reduced the deficit, but Chelsea had to wait until ten minutes from time to find an equaliser when substitute Jadon Sancho curled a wonderful effort into the top corner from a short-corner routine.
Trevor Chalobah and Pedro Neto both went close for Chelsea but the draw leaves the Blues in fifth, three points behind third-placed Nottingham Forest and ahead of sixth-placed Aston Villa on goal difference.
Ipswich are 14 points adrift from safety following Wolves’ win against Tottenham at Molineux.
RESULTS
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
Chelsea 2-2 Ipswich Town
Wolves 4-2 Tottenham
BBC Sport
