Slot RELIEVED after Liverpool edge one step closer to Premier League glory | OneFootball

Arne Slot admitted huge relief after Liverpool edged past West Ham with a dramatic 2-1 win at Anfield, moving them to within touching distance of a record-equalling 20th Premier League title.

Virgil van Dijk’s 89th-minute header from Alexis Mac Allister’s corner sealed all three points, just moments after a cruel own goal — the result of the Dutch defender’s clearance ricocheting in off Andy Robertson — had handed the Hammers a late equaliser.

Luis Diaz had opened the scoring in the 18th minute following a superb cross from Mohamed Salah, who marked his new contract with his 45th goal involvement of the season (27 goals, 18 assists) — the most by any Liverpool player in a 38-game campaign.

But it was Van Dijk, reportedly on the verge of signing a new two-year deal, who delivered in the key moment — and his passionate double fist-pump celebration in front of the Kop showed just how much it meant.

“It was a big relief,” said Slot. “Alisson made sure they didn’t score earlier. West Ham had multiple chances in the second half, and when they eventually equalised – even though we scored it ourselves – I felt it was coming.”

Slot also questioned the seven minutes of stoppage time added on, admitting he expected far less: “To be completely honest, I was expecting maybe three or four minutes. Neither side wasted time, so seven was a surprise — but thankfully we scored just before extra time started.”

Despite the tense finale, Slot praised the way his players and fans responded after the setback. “When they scored, it felt like they might go on and win. But our players and supporters reacted brilliantly. We pressed, we counter-pressed, and we created chances. Lucho had a chance, we won the corner, and then came the set-piece — which is such a vital part of the modern game.”

The Liverpool boss was quick to praise his senior stars, all of whom played a part in the win: “Alisson probably had his best game of the season. Virgil stepped up at a massive moment, and Mo was fantastic again in the first half — really lively. I saw the Mo Salah from earlier in the season.”

With six games to go, the Reds need just six more points to be crowned champions. But Slot insisted he’s not thinking about where the title might be sealed.

“I don’t care where we win it. We know we have to win two more games, which has been on 32 occasions difficult enough for us.”