Liverpool moved within three points of Premier League leaders Manchester City as they edged past West Ham United at Anfield.
The Reds were nowhere near their best but got the job done with a 1-0 win courtesy of Sadio Mane’s first-half goal.
Now Jurgen Klopp’s side have piled the pressure on Man City ahead of their clash with Manchester United tomorrow.
Liverpool took the lead in the 27th minute through Mane when he swept home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross from close range.
The Reds’ advantage was almost doubled but West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell made a goal-line clearance from Luis Diaz’s effort.
On 39 minutes, Alexander-Arnold turned from assist-maker to goal saver when he got back to clear Pablo Fornals’ deft shot that had beaten home goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Liverpool were put under pressure in the second half and Manuel Lanzini missed a golden chance when he skied over the bar.
But they held on for victory and now all eyes turn to the Manchester derby.
The heroes
- Luis Diaz: what a start to his Liverpool career. Was the Reds’ chief attacking threat and ran West Ham’s defence ragged. Had an effort cleared off the line and drew a foul for a dangerous free-kick.
- Sadio Mane: gambled to get himself in the right place at the right time for Liverpool’s goal. That’s now 12 league goals for the season - surpassing his tally of last term.
Andy Robertson: made two big challenges in the second half on Jarrod Bowen and then Michail Antonio. Also provided a consistent outlet down the left and caused West Ham trouble.
The villains
Craig Dawson: lost Mane far too easily for Liverpool’s goal. Then got caught out by Diaz moments later. Not the centre-back’s most assured game.
Lukasz Fabianski: didn’t commit himself for Alexander-Arnold’s cross. Simply had to be braver to snuff out the danger.
Mo Salah: it was not Liverpool’s talisman’s day. He missed a gilt-edged chance in the second minute and that set the tone for his performance.
1. Alisson Becker - 6
Did what he needed to do in the posts. Flapped at one early shot but solid afterwards. Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7
A fine assist and also made a huge goal-saving clearance in the first half. Photo: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
3. Ibou Konate - 6
Some good moments but was caught napping on occasions. Beaten far too easily by Antonio in the first half. Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
4. Virgil van Dijk - 6
One strange backwards header put Liverpool under pressure. Otherwise fine.