Van Dijk the Villain and the Hero as Liverpool Edge West Ham in Premier League Thriller

Liverpool moved another step closer to the Premier League title with a dramatic 2-1 win over West Ham United in Matchweek 32 — a game packed with narrative twists, standout moments, and one unforgettable redemption arc from Virgil van Dijk.

Early on, all eyes were on Mohamed Salah as the Egyptian chased a historic record. He came inches from scoring in the 18th minute with a curling effort just wide of the post, but moments later, he dazzled down the right wing and laid off a perfect assist for Luis Díaz, who tapped home to give the Reds a deserved lead.

The assist marked Salah’s 45th goal involvement this season in the Premier League (27 goals, 18 assists), setting a new all-time record — surpassing both Thierry Henry and Erling Haaland, who had each registered 44 in a single campaign. Simply put, Salah is rewriting the league’s attacking history.

However, Liverpool’s celebration was short-lived. Just four minutes after Díaz’s goal, Mohammed Kudus struck the bar with a rocket from distance — a sign that West Ham weren’t going down quietly.

Then came the chaos. In the 87th minute, a dangerous cross from the right led to a defensive mishap: Van Dijk unintentionally deflected the ball into Andrew Robertson, who saw it ricochet into the bottom corner for a freak own goal. 1–1, and tension soared at Anfield.

But Van Dijk, showing the heart of a true captain, made instant amends. From a pinpoint Alexis Mac Allister corner, the Dutchman rose above everyone and powered home a header in the dying moments to restore Liverpool’s lead.

West Ham almost levelled again in stoppage time, with Kudus hitting the crossbar for a second time — but Liverpool held on for a vital 2-1 victory.

For more on the race to the crown, check the 2024–25 Premier League table.

2024-25, England - Premier League

Liverpool - West Ham 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: Luis Díaz, 18 (1:0); Robertson A., 86 (own goal) (1:1); van Dijk, 89 (2:1)

Liverpool: Alisson; van Dijk; Konate; Tsimikas (Robertson A., 60); Mac Allister A.; Jones Cur. (Szoboszlai, 68); Gravenberch R.; Bradley C. (Quansah, 68); Salah (Endo W., 84); Jota (Gakpo, 60); Luis Díaz
Bench: Jaroš V.; Kelleher; Chiesa F.; Elliott H.

West Ham: Areola; Mavropanos; Kilman; Scarles (Coufal, 57); Soler (Fuellkrug, 78); Ward-Prowse; Paqueta; Todibo (Luis Guilherme, 78); Wan-Bissaka; Kudus; Bowen
Bench: Fabianski; Alvarez Ed.; Emerson Palmieri; Rodríguez G.; Soucek; Ferguson E.
Yellow Cards: Coufal 96