‘SOFT’ PEN WAS RIGHT DECISION

Premier League more exciting but it also dramatically affects the quality of the game.

Yet what sets Liverpool apart is their ability to keep finding answers even when they look out on their feet. The number of late goals they score is remarkable.

The winner came from the one piece of true quality in the game, after Pablo Fornals’ 10th-minute opener for West Ham had been cancelled out by Mo Salah (celebrating with Jordan Henderson, below) from the penalty spot.

It came when sub Xherdan Shaqiri produced a stunning ball for summer signing Diogo Jota to score in his third consecutive game in the space of a week.

It says it all about the demands of the fixture list, but also about those Liverpool ‘mentality monsters.’

“We have this fight,” said Klopp. “It is the basis for all that we do.

“I cannot convince them to fight if they are not fighters, that’s not possible. I cannot put all that desire into a game if they don’t have it. They have it.”

That mentality deserves to earn them a place in Anfield

legend.

LONGEST PREM UNBEATEN HOME RUNS CHELSEA - 86 GAMES (Mar 2004Oct 2008) The only thing surprising about the four-year run was it only spawned two league titles under Jose Mourinho. It was Liverpool who ended that run with a 1-0 win. LIVERPOOL - 63 GAMES (Apr 2017present) Liverpool beat West Ham to extend their unbeaten run to 63 matches (W52 D11), matching their record set in December 1980. They haven't lost a home league match since Christian Benteke scored twice to inspire a 2-1 Crystal Palace win.

AARON CRESSWELL cut through the controversy surrounding Mo Salah’s penalty by admitting the officials got it right. West Hham boss David Moymoyes was fuming afafter the game, iinsisting the Liverpool player had “dived” aadding: “It’s not ththe sort of football I wantwan to be involved in.” But Cresswell (above) acknowledged that VAR had a chance to overturn referee Kevin Friend’s decision, but didn’t because there was clear contact from defender Arthur Masuaku, who didn’t win the ball. “It looked soft, but VAR’S there for a reason and I’m sure it was the right decision,” said Cresswell. That penalty changed the game and allowed the champions to take control of the contest, as their pressure eventually told with a late winner. But Cresswell added: “We’re actually disappointed to leave here with nothing. “So to come to Anfield and feel disappointed is a sign of progress. “We are showing we are a decent side, and it is frustrating we didn’t get more. On another night we could have got something.” GO GO DIOGO Liverpool supersub Jota struck late to sink the Hammers