Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk delivered a dramatic late winner against West Ham, moving the Reds 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League and edging them closer to their first title under new manager Arne Slot.
The Dutch defender’s 89th-minute header sent Anfield into raptures, sealing a hard-fought 2-1 victory on an emotional day for the club, which also marked the Hillsborough anniversary.
With just six points needed from their final six games, Liverpool are now on the brink of glory. But beyond the celebrations, there’s big news brewing—Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah could be close to signing new contracts, adding even more excitement for fans.
Late Drama at Anfield: Van Dijk the Hero
Liverpool’s clash with West Ham was far from straightforward. After a tense first half, the game exploded in the second:
- Liverpool took the lead through Luis Díaz, set up by Mohamed Salah.
- West Ham equalized late via an Andy Robertson own goal, threatening to derail Liverpool’s title charge.
- Then, in the 89th minute, Van Dijk rose highest to power home a header, sending the Kop into wild celebrations.
The Dutchman kissed the Liverpool badge in front of the fans, a moment that felt symbolic—not just for the title race, but for his future at the club.
“A Big Relief” – Slot Reacts
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted the win was “a big relief”, especially after West Ham’s equalizer.
“After West Ham scored, it felt like they could get another,” Slot said. “But our fans and players believed differently. That’s what makes this team special.”
He also praised Alisson for crucial saves that kept Liverpool in the game, proving once again why he’s one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
Van Dijk’s Future: New Contract Coming?
After the match, Van Dijk was asked about his contract situation—with reports suggesting he, like Salah, is close to agreeing on a new two-year deal.
His response? Intriguing.
“I can tell you I’m very proud today to captain my 100th game for Liverpool,” he said. “It was an emotional day because of the Hillsborough anniversary. The main focus was to get three points and get closer to our dreams. Everyone knows how much I love this club… let’s see what next week will look like.”
Slot Plays It Cool
While fans are buzzing about possible contract extensions, Slot tried to keep the focus on the title race.
“I think Virgil means let’s see what next week brings when we play Leicester,” he said with a smile. “Right now, that’s the biggest thing. Two more wins and we’re champions. If contracts happen in the meantime, great—but my full focus is on Leicester.”
Title Race: How Close Are Liverpool Now?
With this win, Liverpool are now 13 points clear of second-place Manchester City (who have a game in hand). Here’s what they need to do to seal the deal:
- Six more points from their final six games will guarantee the title.
- Their next match? Leicester City at home—a must-win to keep momentum.
- If City slip up in any of their remaining fixtures, Liverpool could win it even sooner.
Can Anyone Stop Them?
West Ham boss Graham Potter praised his team’s performance, calling it their best since he took over.
“The balance between defence and attack was good against the best team in the league,” he said. “We showed resilience, which hasn’t always been there.”
But even their strong display wasn’t enough to stop Liverpool’s march towards glory.
Emotions Run High on Hillsborough Anniversary
The match fell on the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, where 97 Liverpool fans tragically lost their lives in 1989.
Van Dijk acknowledged the emotional weight of the day, saying:
“It was an emotional day because of Hillsborough. We wanted to win for the fans, for the families, for everyone connected to the club.”
The players wore black armbands, and a minute’s silence was held before kickoff—a reminder of how football and community are deeply intertwined at Liverpool.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
- Leicester City (H) – April 20
- A win here would put Liverpool one step closer to the title.
- Tottenham (A) – April 27
- A tough away game, but by then, the title could already be within touching distance.
- Potential Title Party?
- If results go their way, Liverpool could be champions before May.
Salah & Van Dijk Contracts: The Final Piece?
If both Salah and Van Dijk sign new deals, it would send a huge statement—proving Liverpool’s biggest stars are fully committed to the project under Slot.
For now, though, the focus is purely on getting those six points.
Final Thoughts: Destiny in Their Hands
Liverpool’s season has been a rollercoaster—full of dramatic wins, late goals, and relentless spirit. Now, they’re just two wins away from lifting the Premier League trophy.
Van Dijk’s heroics, Slot’s calm leadership, and the team’s never-say-die attitude have brought them to this moment.
The question now is: Will they finish the job?
One thing’s for sure—Anfield will be rocking every step of the way.
What Do You Think?
- Will Liverpool win the title in their next two games?
- Should Van Dijk & Salah’s contracts be the priority right now?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!