LUK OF CHAMPS Flappy days as keeper hands leaders victory
any other Liverpool player and only Kevin De Bruyne with 16 has more in the top flight.
West Ham, though, rose up and fought as the travelling fans displayed their banners to protest against the club’s ownership.
And, just three minutes later, they were level. Robert Snodgrass’ near-post corner created havoc in the Liverpool box, Issa Diop evaded Joe Gomez and the defender headed home with keeper Alisson unable to keep it out.
West Ham fought and scrapped. Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice battled in midfield, Michail Antonio caused problems up front. They actually put up a better fight than most other teams have done at Anfield this season.
Mo Salah forced a fine save from Fabianski, Alexander-Arnold fired a shot just wide while stand-in skipper Virgil van Dijk headed against the crossbar. But for all Liverpool’s superiority, they were not quite clicking while West Ham were not buckling.
Roberto Firmino should have done better straight after the restart while Soucek went off injured and that felt like a real blow as the Czech midfielder had been outstanding and on came Pablo Fornals.
But West Ham refused to give up – and then they stunned Anfield. Rice swept over a cross and there was Fornals who got away from Gomez and put the ball past Alisson in the 54th minute.
The whole stadium fell silent in apart from the pocket of away fans.
But just when the Kop was beginning to get a little anxious, then came the equaliser. Andy Robertson’s cross found Salah, his shot was weak but it went through Fabianski’s legs.
The Pole should have done better on the first disbelief goal but this was a howler. Now, with over 20 minutes left, it was all there for Liverpool.
Sure enough, they did not have to wait long. Gomez’s shot was deflected, Alexander-Arnold put over a cross and Mane scored the winner nine minutes from time.
This was a major scare but, in truth, you always feel that Liverpool will win. Because they always do and that is why they will be champions sooner rather than later. (left)