Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the Premier League clash at home to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon
Liverpool edged nearer the Premier League title with a dramatic victory over West Ham United on Sunday afternoon. Virgil van Dijk’s 89th-minute winner came just three minutes after Andy Robertson’s own goal had wiped out an early strike from Luis Diaz and earned a 2-1 triumph.
The results means Arne Slot’s side are now 13 points clear at the summit and require only six more points from their final six games to claim a record-equalling 20th championship.
Alisson Becker 9
Tipped a Mohammed Kudus lob on to the bar first half and decisive when racing off his line to deal with counters. Vital saves from Jarrod Bowen and Kudus after break as West Ham ramped up threat.
Conor Bradley 8
Added pace to the Liverpool attack from deep, defended strongly and saw shot deflected wide first half. Stuck to task up against Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Subbed
Ibrahima Konate 6
Watching brief in helping shut out Bowen before break and kept things simple. More testing after that and Kudus gave him some scares.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Few moments of concern defensively first half and opened up visiting defence with diagonals. Bowen became difficult to handle and made mistake for equaliser, but atoned shortly afterwards with towering header for second.
Kostas Tsimikas 6
Understandable signs of ring-rust with some passing in early moments but settled. Corner delivery caused Hammers issues. Subbed.
Ryan Gravenberch 7
Much brighter than in recent weeks with better decision-making and use of physicality. Had to put in a lot of effort after break as Liverpool were pushed back
Alexis Mac Allister 8
Shot saved by Alphonse Areola, hounded out on another occasion and struck the crossbar with powerful free-kick during classy showing before winning and then delivering the corner for the decisive strike. Fine performance.
Mohamed Salah 7
Had the beating of Oliver Scarles from early on, narrowly wide with one first-half effort and excellent assist for Diaz opener. Needed more service second half, though. Subbed
Diogo Jota 7
Better as the focal point of the attack and linked well with Salah in particular. Subbed
Curtis Jones 6
Given some difficult passes in opening exchanges but began to make impact with pressing. Faded a little second half as West Ham improved. Subbed.
Luis Diaz 8
Encouraged to run at his marker at every opportunity, shot saved by Areola before tapping in first goal. Less of a threat when moved to the central striker role for final half-hour but worked so hard.
SUBS
Cody Gakpo (for Jota 60) 6
Some neat moments of control but unable to overly influence matters.
Andy Robertson (for Tsimikas 60) 6
Steady enough when emerging for the final half-hour until unfortunate to put West Ham equaliser into his own net.
Jarell Quansah (for Bradley 68) 6
A more defensive option on the right but willing to augment attack when required. Some good challenges.
Dominik Szoboszlai (for Jones 68) 6
Wasn’t able to impact the game much during his stint.
Wataru Endo (for Salah 84)
Brought on to first help protect and then win the game.
