Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League in Jurgen Klopp’s final season are surely over after they dropped points again in a 2-2 draw at West Ham. The Reds fought back from a half-time deficit to lead, but Michail Antonio’s header ensured the points were shared. There was drama on the touchline as Mohamed Salah clashed with Klopp before the Egyptian was introduced as a late substitute.
Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes suffered a potentially fatal blow as Jurgen Klopp’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham at the London Stadium.
The visitors hit back superbly after shipping the opening goal to Jarrod Bowen’s 43rd minute header with goals from Andy Robertson (48′) and an unfortunate own goal by home goalkeeper Alphonse Areola (65′) earning them a 2-1 lead after Cody Gakpo had driven the ball against Angelo Ogbonna.
But Michail Antonio popped up on 77 minutes to power home a Bowen cross in earning West Ham a point that never looked likely after being pressed back for large swathes of the second half.
90+5′ AND THERE GOES THE FINAL WHISTLE! No real chances in the closing moments as Mac Allister is booked for a late one on Bowen. It finishes 2-2. Probably fatal for Liverpool’s title prospects.
80′ LIVERPOOL MAKE CHANGES HERE. Three of them were made by Klopp. Darwin Nunez replaced Wataru Enda, Mohamed Salah replaced Luis Diaz, and Joe Gomez replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold.
78′ GOAL! (ANTONIO) WEST HAM 2-2 LIVERPOOL. Bowen crosses for Mihail Antonio and heads it past Alisson into the net. Allison did a great job stopping Emerson a few seconds earlier, but no chance in that finish. 2-2
76′ WEST HAM MAKE CHANGES. James Ward-Prowse replaces Tomas Soucek at home.
65′ GOAL! WEST HAM UNITED 1-2 LIVERPOOL (SOUCEK) . Liverpool turned this game on its head. West Ham failed to deal with the corner as Gakpo sent the ball over the goal. Hits Ogbonna comes from Soucek on the line and ends up in the net by Areola. I can’t say it didn’t come.
49′ GOAL! WEST HAM 1-1 LIVERPOOL (ROBERTSON) Great move from Klopp’s men as Robertson reacts quickly to Diaz’s pass to slot the finish into the net. Areola tipped it onto the post before nestling into the net. Suddenly Liverpool fans in full voice.
46′ WE GO TO THE SECOND HALF. 16 and counting from West Ham striker Bowen makes the difference. We are ready for the second half.
45+3′ HALF TIME WHISTLE. Liverpool have work to do in the second half to keep their dream of the Premier League title alive. Bowen shows visitors what they have missed so far.
43′ GO! WEST HAM 1-0 LIVERPOOL (BOWEN). West Ham took a short corner when Bowen was able to reach Qudus’ cross. So simple. His 20th goal of the season after winning a corner with his shot saved by Alison. Terrible defense from the visitors. West Ham lead 1-0. Klopp looks confused.
32′ Endo can’t complain as he is booked for a late challenge on Mohamed Quds as the West Ham man tried to break inside the away half.
1′ Referee Anthony Taylor oversees this. The Hammers with one win in their last eight games. Liverpool start the action.