Liverpool moved three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City as they defeated West Ham thanks to Sadio Mane’s first-half goal. Mohamed Salah had an early chance to score after quick thinking from Trent Alexander-Arnold but was denied by Lukasz Fabianski. The Liverpool opener came as Alexander-Arnold fired a ball across the face and Mane was alive in the box to beat Fabianski to the ball and convert from close range.
West Ham, who were without England international Declan Rice, had their chances and could have found themselves level if not far some excellent defending from Alexander-Arnold to chase back and clear Pablo Fornals’ chip from underneath his own crossbar. Liverpool improved after half-time but couldn’t add a second goal that would have sealed three points, as West Ham came back into it. Manuel Lanzini and Michael Antonio had further opportunities for West Ham but Liverpool held on to extend their winning run.
It puts the pressure back on Manchester City ahead of tomorrow’s Manchester derby at the Etihad, as Liverpool turn their attention to the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Inter Milan. Follow reaction to Liverpool vs West Ham below, following the conclusion of this afternoon’s 3pm fixtures:
