Liverpool player ratings vs West Ham: Van Dijk and 8/10 duo salvage narrow win | Football | Sport

Liverpool moved a step closer to winning the Premier League by just about overcoming West Ham in a narrow 2-1 win at Anfield. Virgil van Dijk’s 89th-minute header means the Reds need only two more wins to seal a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.

Arne Slot‘s side initially looked comfortable against the Hammers and stormed into a 1-0 lead thanks to Luis Diaz’s goal in the 18th minute. Alexis Mac Allister, Conor Bradley and the excellent Mohamed Salah had a number of opportunities to score a second. However, Liverpool relinquished control and seemed to be heading for a frustrating draw with Van Dijk’s clearance riccocheted off Andy Robertson and bounced into the corner of Alisson’s goal.

However, Van Dijk made amends by scoring late on. Here is how Express Sport rated the Liverpool players.

Alisson – 7

Alisson denied Jarrod Bowen midway through the second half with a strong save. There was little he could do to prevent Robertson’s own goal as he was left wrong-footed by the riccochet.

Conor Bradley – 7

Liverpool have a very capable replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold in Bradley. The academy graduate linked up very well with Salah and nearly scored with a deflected effort in the first half.

Ibrahima Konate – 5

Konate was caught out a couple of times as Liverpool lost some control in the second half. Alisson bailed him out once as Bowen got in behind after Konate had strayed into midfield.

Virgil van Dijk – 6

Like his centre-back partner, Van Dijk struggled to deal with West Ham’s increased threat in the second half. His thrashed his clearance against Andy Robertson, with the ball bobbling into the corner. However, he then headed home the winner with a minute of the 90 minutes remaining. This was a mixed display for the Dutchman ahead of a week in which he could seal his Liverpool future.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6

Tsimikas delivered a couple of dangerous crosses, which a top centre-forward might have converted. He was hauled off before the hour as Liverpool sought to inject some tenacity back into their second-half performance.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6

Gravenberch’s transition into a really good defensive midfielder has been one of the stories of the season. But this could be a reminder that a ready-made star in the position could be an ideal addition in the summer. West Ham found vast space in the middle of the pitch at times.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6

Mac Allister struck the post in the first half and played a pivotal role in many of Liverpool’s brightest moments. The Argentine struggled when West Ham grew into the game, though.

Curtis Jones – 7

Jones was tenacious in midfield and crucial to Liverpool’s dominance in the first half. However, his influence waned in the second period and he was withdrawn in the 68th minute.

Mohamed Salah – 8

This was an excellent riposte to critics of some of Salah’s recent performances, only days after he penned a contract extension. The Egyptian gave teenage left-back Ollie Scarles a horrid afternoon, weaving around the 19-year-old at every opportunity. Salah’s wonderful cross-field pass found Diaz to score and he created a number of excellent opportunities for himself.

Luis Diaz – 8

Diaz converted the decisive goal after making a clever run into the penalty area to meet Salah’s pass. The Colombian had the better of Aaron Wan-Bissaka throughout the game.

Diogo Jota – 6

Centre-forward must be identified as a key area of improvement for the summer transfer window. Jota had little impact before he was taken off before the hour mark.

Substitutes

Andy Robertson – 5

Robertson had a chaotic half an hour following his introduction. His own goal prompted a row with Van Dijk, who had early inadvertently caught the Scot in the face with a high foot. But there was a smile as Robertson’s captain scored the winner.

Cody Gakpo – 5

Gakpo had little influence after being brought on in the 60th minute.

Jarell Quansah – 6

Quansah defended well after replacing Bradley with 20 minutes remaining.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6

Szoboszlai grew into the game following his 68th-minute introduction.

Endo Wataru – N/A

Endo helped to see through a narrow win.