Liverpool 2-1 West Ham United result - Premier League latest as Virgil van Dijk scores winner to save Andrew Robertson's blushes

Virgil van Dijk marked his 100th game as Liverpool captain by heading them within six points of the Premier League title, following a 2-1 win against West Ham.

The Dutch defender headed home an 89th minute winner, just three minutes after an Andy Robertson own goal looked to have handed the Hammers a point.

Fresh from signing an extended deal at Liverpool until 2027, Mohamed Salah sent a pin-point cross for Luis Diaz to give the home side a 17th minute lead.

However, the hosts failed to take advantage of their first half possession as Alexis Mac Allister saw his effort saved and then rattled the bar after the break.

The Hammers grew into the game and Jarrod Bowen was only denied an equaliser by goalkeeper Alisson.

Anfield started to get nervous as Liverpool sat deeper back culminating in Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross deflecting off Van Dijk and then Robertson for an 86th minute equaliser.

There was one final twist as Van Dijk pushed clear of his marker to head home the winner.

The Reds require six points to be crowned champion with five games remaining or Arsenal to drop further points.

Liverpool head to Leicester City next Saturday and then host Tottenham Hotspur the following week.

Mohamed Salah said that he hopes that defender Virgil van Dijk will be the next to extend his contract at Liverpool.

Talking to Sky Sports, Salah said: "I’m glad that we managed to do that early before the end of the season, hopefully Virgil, also will be next.

"He can do it whatever he wants, but I would love to see me again next year, but of course he can choose whatever he wants in his future.

In reply Van Dijk said: "I can tell you that I'm very proud today the captain my 100th game for Liverpool.

"The main focus to get three points and get us a step closer to all of our dreams. Everyone knows how much I love this club and let's see what the next week will look like."

Van Dijk kicked the ball against defensive partner Robertson resulting in the West Ham equaliser and said that he needed to ‘make it right’ with his winner.

Talking about the goal Robertson own goal, Van Dijk told Sky Sports: "That was unlucky.

"I heard him shout, but unfortunately these things happen. Obviously, it was time to make it right and luckily we did."

Talking about the set piece goal, Van Dijk added: "We train a lot on it and I tried to be important and finally, today I could score the winner onto the next."

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A game of two halves as Diaz’s opener was cancelled out by Robertson’s own goal.

West Ham deserved their equaliser after an improved second half showing. However, Van Dijk netted an important header to earn a 2-1 victory.

The result means that Liverpool are just six points away from being crowned champions. West Ham will feel they deserved more from that display.

The Hammers drop to 17th but are 14 points above Ipswich.

That’s full-time and Liverpool have just done enough to earn another three points in their title quest.

A moment of dissent by substitute Coufal results in a booking.

Fullkrug hits the post again for West Ham after meeting Killman's cross and directing his header goalwards. Alisson may have saved it, but the ball cannons off the crossbar.

A host of changes and a few breaks in play means that there will be seven additional minutes.

Mac Allister’s corner is met by the head of Van Dijk who nudges his marker away and then heads home.

Liverpool almost take the lead again immediately with a driven Diaz effort deflected off Wan-Bissaka and onto the bar.

Moments later Mac Allister sees his low shot from a tight angle saved.

A whipped cross from Wan-Bissaka results in Van Dijk kicking the ball against  Robertson and into the net

Endo is the final substitute and he comes on for Salah. A standing ovation for Salah as he leaves the field after providing the game’s only goal.

The visitors are almost camped in the Liverpool half now and are really frustrating Anfield. However, a combination of not finding the final ball and goalkeeper Alisson have denied them so far.

Fullkrug and Luis Guilherme both come on for the Hammers, with Soler and Todibo making way.

This is not going to script at all. West Ham are looking increasingly dangerous and Liverpool and being penned back at times.

Slow defending and not enough pressure on the ball for Liverpool. Paqueta is able to slide the ball into the box for Kudus whose shot across goal is saved by Alisson.

Liverpool need to change the momentum of this one. Quansah is on for Bradley; and Szoboszla replaces Jones

A perfect run through by Bowen who beats the off-side trap and connects with a Paqueta through ball. However, Alisson is off his line quickly and closes down the ball before Bowen can get a clear shot away.

Liverpool find themselves under pressure and caught on the ball at the back. However, Mac Allister takes a knock and does not require treatment but takes an age to get back up. Game management for Liverpool.