Goalkeeper’s goal keeps Liverpool’s topfour hopes alive
WEST BROMWICH, England: Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson scored to secure a dramatic stoppagetime victory and keep his side’s English Premier League topfour hopes alive at West Bromwich Albion but Everton’s European aspirations were left in tatters yesterday.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time with Liverpool and West Brom locked at 11, Alisson left his goal and ran forward to offer his assistance in the opposite penalty area.
Trent AlexanderArnold’s delivery was perfect and the Brazilian keeper glanced a superb header into the net to spark wild celebrations from the visiting side.
It was the first time in Liverpool’s history that a goalkeeper had scored a competitive goal and what a crucial one it could prove to be for Juergen Klopp’s side.
With two games remaining, it is in fifth spot, one point behind Chelsea and three behind Leicester City.
With those two playing each other midweek, Liverpool knows two wins would put it in the top four to qualify for the Champions League, a prospect that looked unlikely two weeks ago.
It was an emotional moment for Alisson who dedicated his unlikely goal to his father who drowned in February.
‘‘I just tried to run into a good place and be there to try and help my players, to bring a defender, but noone followed me and I am lucky and blessed. Sometimes things you can’t explain,’’ Alisson said.
‘‘I’m too emotional, this last month for everything that has happened with me and my family, but football is my life. I played since I can remember with my father. I hope he was here to see it. I’m sure he is celebrating with God at his side.’’
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah had cancelled out Hal RobsonKanu’s opener for West Brom.
Everton’s woeful home form struck again as it was downed 10 by bottom club Sheffield United for whom 17yearold Daniel Jebbison became the youngest player to score on his first Premier League start.
Everton has now lost nine league games at home this season and has picked up only six points at Goodison Park in 2021.
Defeat left it in eighth, three points behind West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
‘‘As we usually did at home most of the time, we lost,’’ Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti said. ‘‘I have to take responsibility for this but I hope the players do too.’’
Tottenham beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 20 with Harry Kane scoring his 22nd Premier League goal of the season as his side moved above West Ham on goal difference.
PierreEmile Hojbjerg scored Tottenham’s second.
In the day’s other game, Crystal Palace twice came from a goal behind to beat Aston Villa 32. Tyrick Mitchell scored the winner late on with his first career goal.