Liverpool snuck over the line to pick up a somewhat undeserved 2-1 win over West Ham on Sunday.
The Reds put themselves ahead early on through Luis Diaz and looked likely to make it a comfortable day at Anfield.
But Graham Potter teams rarely go down easy and West Ham were no different as they roared to life in the second-half.
After 41 minutes of creaking, Liverpool’s defence finally gave way with four minutes left on the clock. A terrible mix up between Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson resulting in the left-back putting through his own net.
Liverpool still had time to get a winner, though, and it was Van Dijk who popped up with a super header to make amends.
It has been a big week for the Dutchman as he prepares to announce a two-year contract extension. And as Liverpool fans wait for confirmation their captain is staying, he put on a pointed show in front of the Kop after scoring.
Virgil van Dijk celebrates in front of the Kop
If the build up to Sunday’s game had been all about Mohamed Salah, then the match itself saw Van Dijk take centre stage.
That was not always a good thing. As he has a few too many times of late, the 33-year-old was a little sloppy against the Hammers, cleaning out Robertson with a terrible challenge just minutes before the own goal.
But as he always does, Virgil made amends. It was a super header to win the game for Liverpool and journalist Lewis Steele spotted a passionate celebration from the centre-back after wards.
“Virgil van Dijk kisses the Liverpool badge as he scores a huge goal in the context of this game and the season,” Steele posted on X.
READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk shares Liverpool contract update after dramatic 2-1 win vs West Ham
The journalist also noted Arne Slot’s reaction, with the Liverpool head coach clearly enjoying the moment, too.
“Arne Slot’s celebration the most animated I’ve seen him after a goal all season, too,” said Steele.
Arne Slot salutes Anfield at final whistle
As well as making the most of Van Dijk’s goal, Slot was spotted saluting the Anfield crowd at full-time on Sunday.
It had been a slightly nervy atmosphere during the game, with Liverpool not really giving supporters reason to believe they had it all under control.
But the crowd stuck with the team as they always do, and journalist James Pearce spotted how Slot reacted at full-time.
“Arne Slot as animated after the final whistle as he’s been all season,” said Pearce. “He knows the job is nearly done.”
It has been an emotional week at Liverpool and after looking like they were going to shoot themselves in the foot once again, the Reds have come out the other end needing just five points to secure the Premier League trophy.
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