Sadio Mane’s first-half goal was enough to give Liverpool victory over West Ham at Anfield and move them back within three points of Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp’s men deserved the win but it did not come without the odd scare as Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini both wasted excellent chances to equalise.
The Hammers’ frustrations were compounded by the loss of in-form Jarrod Bowen to what looked like a significant injury, the forward helped off the pitch and down the tunnel following a collision with former Hull team-mate Andy Robertson.
Five days before the Europa League last-16 first-leg trip to Sevilla, it was not what manager David Moyes needed.
Liverpool had chances to extend their lead, with new signing Luis Diaz particularly impressive.
However, with the title race as it is, victory was all that mattered. And now Liverpool fans are in the unusual position of hoping for a United victory in Sunday’s Manchester derby at Etihad Stadium.
“We could have done better. We did pretty well first half, but in the second half if you are not better, you need quick legs, big heart and passion and that’s what we needed to get the result,” Klopp told BBC Match of the Day.
“In the end it was open, we needed a bit of luck, but you cannot win as many games in a row as we have without a bit of luck.” – BBC.
