Virgil van Dijk delivered a captain’s moment in his 100th appearance with the armband, powering home a late header to seal a dramatic 2-1 win over West Ham United and push Liverpool one step closer to their 20th English league title.

With the match hanging in the balance following a late equalizer from the visitors, van Dijk rose highest in the 89th minute to meet Alexis Mac Allister’s corner, restoring Liverpool’s lead and sending Anfield into a frenzy. The Dutch defender’s goal came just three minutes after a defensive miscue between himself and Andy Robertson led to a West Ham equalizer, credited as an own goal by Robertson.

Before the late drama, Liverpool had looked in firm control. Luis Díaz opened the scoring in the 28th minute after a slick one-two with Mohamed Salah, who notched his 18th assist of the season. The Egyptian forward now boasts a record-breaking 45 goal involvements (27 goals, 18 assists) in a 38-game Premier League season surpassing Thierry Henry’s long-standing tally.

The win extended Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to 13 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, with just six matches remaining. Two more victories will mathematically secure the Premier League title for Arne Slot’s men, who could be crowned champions as early as next weekend if they beat Leicester City and Arsenal drop points against Ipswich Town.

Speaking after the match, van Dijk reflected on the significance of the result, particularly on the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

“It’s always an emotional day for us, and to win like that, with a goal at the end, makes it even more special,” said the Liverpool captain.
Manager Arne Slot praised his team’s mental resilience in bouncing back from recent setbacks, including a shock league defeat to Fulham and their Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

“This team has shown incredible character,” Slot said. “To respond after the disappointment midweek and fight to the end today shows exactly why we’re top of the league.”

Liverpool now prepare for a potentially title-defining clash against Leicester, with confidence soaring and history within reach. Should results go their way, the Reds could lift the trophy in front of their home crowd in just a matter of days.