Slot RELIEVED after Liverpool edge one step nearer to Premier League glory
Arne Slot admitted enormous reduction after Liverpool edged previous West Ham with a dramatic 2-1 win at Anfield, transferring them to inside touching distance of a record-equalling twentieth Premier League title.
Virgil van Dijk’s 89th-minute header from Alexis Mac Allister’s nook sealed all three factors, simply moments after a merciless personal purpose — the results of the Dutch defender’s clearance ricocheting in off Andy Robertson — had handed the Hammers a late equaliser.
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Luis Diaz had opened the scoring within the 18th minute following an outstanding cross from Mohamed Salah, who marked his new contract along with his forty fifth purpose involvement of the season (27 targets, 18 assists) — essentially the most by any Liverpool participant in a 38-game marketing campaign.
Nevertheless it was Van Dijk, reportedly on the verge of signing a brand new two-year deal, who delivered in the important thing second — and his passionate double fist-pump celebration in entrance of the Kop confirmed simply how a lot it meant.
“It was a giant reduction,” stated Slot. “Alisson made positive they didn’t rating earlier. West Ham had a number of possibilities within the second half, and once they ultimately equalised – though we scored it ourselves – I felt it was coming.”
Slot additionally questioned the seven minutes of stoppage time added on, admitting he anticipated far much less: “To be utterly trustworthy, I used to be anticipating possibly three or 4 minutes. Neither aspect wasted time, so seven was a shock — however fortunately we scored simply earlier than further time began.”
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Regardless of the tense finale, Slot praised the way in which his gamers and followers responded after the setback. “Once they scored, it felt like they could go on and win. However our gamers and supporters reacted brilliantly. We pressed, we counter-pressed, and we created possibilities. Lucho had an opportunity, we received the nook, after which got here the set-piece — which is such an important a part of the trendy recreation.”
The Liverpool boss was fast to reward his senior stars, all of whom performed a component within the win: “Alisson in all probability had his finest recreation of the season. Virgil stepped up at a large second, and Mo was unbelievable once more within the first half — actually vigorous. I noticed the Mo Salah from earlier within the season.”
With six video games to go, the Reds want simply six extra factors to be topped champions. However Slot insisted he’s not desirous about the place the title may be sealed.
“I don’t care the place we win it. We all know we’ve to win two extra video games, which has been on 32 events tough sufficient for us.”