REDS ROARING ON WITH JURGEN KOP
Records set as boss says fans came to the rescue
JURGEN KLOPP declared the Kop carried Liverpool into the record books as their relentless march to the title stuttered on.
On a nervy night the Reds blew an early advantage, gifted West Ham a shock lead then fought back to clinch victory through Sadio Mane.
But the leaders, back to 22 points clear at the summit, equalled two records with more surely to follow.
This was a 21st consecutive home win to level their own record set in 1972 while an 18th straight Premier League victory matched Manchester City’s record of 2017.
On levelling City’s streak, Reds boss Klopp said: “I never thought it would be broken or equalled.
“We did it and I cannot believe it happened to be honest. I like a lot that everything positive helps. When we equalised the stadium was rocking and that helps us.
“Whatever will happen this season is an effort of all of us. I could not be more thankful or appreciate the support we get. So far so good.”
It was heartbreaking for the Hammers who put up such a fight only for keeper Lukasz Fabianski to flounder. His first error came nine minutes in, Gini Wijnaldum stooping to head Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross home. That was surely the cue for a battering only for the opposite to happen.
Just three minutes later Issa Diop evaded Joe Gomez to nod in after Robert Snodgrass’ near-post corner created havoc in the Reds box. Despite now being 55 points behind their opponents, the Irons were a goal ahead when Declan Rice swept over a cross for sub Pablo Fornals to bury past Alisson nine minutes into the second half.
Anfield fell silent in disbelief apart from the pocket of Hammers fans. The anxiety only lasted 14 minutes as Mo Salah’s weak shot from an Andy Robertson cross went through Fabianski’s legs in a howler of a mistake.
Gomez’s shot was then deflected, AlexanderArnold put over a cross and there was Mane to score an 81st-minute winner.
On Fabianski, Hammers boss Davie Moyes said: “He’s done great for us. But when you’re in our position, if you make individual mistakes you need to quickly get over them and not let it happen again.”