Liverpool’s Premier League title aspirations appear to be fading after Michail Antonio’s goal secured a draw for West Ham at London Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen gave West Ham the lead just before halftime, heading in Mohammed Kudus’ cross as Liverpool struggled to show any resurgence following their midweek Merseyside derby defeat.
However, Liverpool improved after the break and found an equalizer through Andy Robertson, who finished from Luis Diaz’s low delivery into the box.
The Reds then took the lead when Cody Gakpo’s shot from a corner deflected off Angelo Ogbonna, Tomas Soucek, and Alphonse Areola before ending up in the net.
Antonio equalized with a powerful header just two minutes before Liverpool introduced Mohamed Salah, who had a noticeable exchange with manager Jurgen Klopp on the touchline.
Liverpool now sits third in the league, trailing leaders Arsenal by two points with three games left. Arsenal are set to face Tottenham on Sunday, while second-place Manchester City has two games in hand.
With the title slipping out of reach, Liverpool’s chances hinge on missteps from both Arsenal and Manchester City.
Liverpool’s season petering out
With Dutchman Arne Slot set to take over from Jurgen Klopp this summer following Liverpool’s agreement on a £9.4m compensation package with Feyenoord, Klopp hinted that his successor might benefit from the Reds not ending the season on a high note.
After clinching the Carabao Cup in February, Liverpool appeared poised to contend for a European trophy and make a strong bid for the Premier League title in Klopp’s final season. However, within about three weeks, those aspirations have largely fallen apart, and this latest draw likely puts an end to any hopes of a storybook finale for Klopp.
Liverpool’s performance in the first half was lackluster, despite captain Virgil van Dijk’s critical assessment of his teammates’ desire following a loss to Everton. Post-interval, however, they displayed the intensity and determination characteristic of Klopp’s teams.
Robertson swiftly equalized, Ryan Gravenberch narrowly missed, and Trent Alexander-Arnold forced a fine save from Areola with a long-range shot. Liverpool then took the lead following a scramble in the West Ham box and could have extended their advantage, with Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister both coming close before Vladimir Coufal thwarted Darwin Nunez’s chance for an easy goal.
Despite numerous opportunities, Liverpool ended up frustrated again as Klopp’s tenure risks concluding without the flourish many had hoped for.
Salah, who was benched at the start, failed to make a significant impact after coming on and seemed to have a heated exchange with Klopp on the touchline.
West Ham bounce back with deserved point
West Ham have managed just one win in their last nine home league games and recently endured a significant defeat to Crystal Palace, marking their second straight loss.
However, Jarrod Bowen’s return from a back injury that sidelined him last week was pivotal. The winger scored with a header from a crowded box and later assisted Michail Antonio’s equalizer.
With 16 goals in the top flight this season and England manager Gareth Southgate in attendance in London, Bowen’s chances of making the Euro 2024 squad have likely been boosted.
Currently, West Ham is eighth in the league standings, with a fourth consecutive European campaign within reach.
Despite this success, rumors have surfaced again about the future of manager David Moyes. Sporting Lisbon’s coach Ruben Amorim, who was reportedly in London to discuss taking over from Moyes, has called the talks “a mistake.”