Mohamed Salah`s contract extension is proving crucial for Liverpool as they pursue the Premier League title.
The Egyptian star, fresh from signing a new two-year deal, provided a brilliant assist for Luis Diaz to score the opening goal early in the game.
Despite taking the lead, Liverpool`s performance was not entirely convincing. However, a 90th-minute header from Virgil Van Dijk secured a victory against a determined West Ham side.
Earlier, Van Dijk was involved in a defensive mix-up with Andy Robertson, leading to an own goal that leveled the score for West Ham, managed by Graham Potter.
Liverpool now needs just six more points to guarantee their 20th English top-flight title, potentially being crowned champions next Sunday when they play Leicester.
Without pressure from Arsenal in the title race, Liverpool`s path to the championship seems clearer.
Salah`s contribution this season is remarkable, with 45 goals and assists, breaking the record for most goal involvements in a 38-game Premier League season.
He continues to be a standout performer for Liverpool, although the team`s overall dominance might not be as pronounced as some past champions.
In the first half, Salah presented a significant challenge to West Ham`s young 19-year-old left-back, Ollie Scarles.
West Ham, under Potter, are now in the bottom four after extending their winless streak to five games, but they showed significant improvement after halftime.
Despite a recent loss to Fulham, Liverpool remained in a strong position. The announcement of Salah`s contract extension and Arsenal`s setback against Brentford eased any doubts about Liverpool`s title chances.
Liverpool welcomed back goalkeeper Alisson and made a couple of changes in defense following their previous match.
After a moment of silence for the Hillsborough disaster anniversary, Liverpool fans passionately chanted Salah`s name.
West Ham, who have struggled recently, traveled to Anfield with low expectations, especially given Liverpool`s previous high-scoring victories against them this season.
Early in the game, Diaz had a shot saved, and Bradley`s attempt was narrowly deflected. Salah then began to dominate, setting up Diaz for the first goal after several attempts.
West Ham, initially quiet in attack, started to threaten, hitting the woodwork before halftime. Kudus and Marvopanos came close to scoring.
In the second half, Liverpool pushed forward, with Mac Allister hitting the bar from a free-kick. West Ham`s goalkeeper, Areola, made several important saves.
West Ham improved significantly in the second half, putting pressure on Liverpool`s defense and creating scoring opportunities.
Despite West Ham`s efforts and an own goal that leveled the score, Van Dijk`s late header sealed a 2-1 victory for Liverpool in a dramatic finish.
