ClapThe expectation was that Liverpool would stroll towards a convincing win over West Ham United on Monday Night Football but when push came to shove, things didn’t really work out that way.
The Hammers were attempting to pull off the upset, and with that upset would’ve come Liverpool’s first league defeat of the season so far.
Tense night at Anfield
The night was a little bit more dramatic than most could’ve expected it to be with the relegation contenders really struggling to stick to the script. It was still Liverpool that drew first blood courtesy of a Gini Wijnaldum strike, but just minutes later West Ham were level through Issa Diop.
They held out until early in the second half when, against all the odds, Pablo Fornals put David Moyes’ side into an unlikely lead.
Liverpool were staring defeat in the face but instead of panicking, they kept their composure and drew themselves level as Mohamed Salah’s tame shot was fumbled into the back of the West Ham net by the usually consistent Fabianski.
Sadio Mane scored the winner nine minutes from time to ensure that Liverpool now only need four more wins to claim the Premier League title.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had the following to say.
“I liked a lot how we started. We scored a wonderful first goal. But then we weren’t good in second ball situations. We have to pick them up much more often. We struggled in this situation and that gave West Ham a good feeling.
Strolling towards the title
On equalling Manchester City’s record winning run: “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 tonight 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.”
David Moyes, on the other hand, was optimistic even after the loss.
“We can take a lot of positives. Before the game nobody will have given us a great deal of hope. I thought for large periods of the game we had a chance.
“I’d hate to think my teams would do anything but put a lot of effort in and I’d be annoyed if anyone else thought otherwise. The disappointing thing is the individual mistakes. I thought tonight we did a really good job. We performed really well as a team but we go away with no points and it’s the points we need.”
For fans out there who didn’t want to believe that this Liverpool surge was real and that they’d be able to sustain it: now might be the time to panic.
It’s looking increasingly likely that Liverpool will become the Champions of England for the first time in 30 years before we actually even hit April, which seems like a fairly ridiculous concept in itself.
