Liverpool could be crowned champions on Easter Sunday after stretching their commanding lead at the top of the table to 13 points with just 18 left to play for.
However, Arne Slot’s men are slowing up as the finish line approaches after an exhausting campaign for many of his key players.
After Luis Diaz gave the home side the lead in a fast start at Anfield, Liverpool ran out of steam in the second half and needed Alisson Becker to produce three outstanding saves to keep West Ham at bay.
An Andy Robertson own goal looked like it could delay Liverpool’s title party, but Van Dijk headed home a corner in the 89th minute before giving the Liverpool fans even more reason to get excited.
Fresh from seeing Mohamed Salah extend his contract for two more years, Van Dijk declared his “love” for the club and hinted that he will be next to end speculation over his future with a new deal.
Within a few weeks Van Dijk will be lifting the Premier League trophy despite a drop off that has seen Liverpool’s only two wins in their last five games come by a single goal against the sides sat 14th and 17th in the table.
Chelsea collapse
When Chelsea travelled to Everton on December 22 they had the chance to go top of the table.
In the 16 Premier League games since, they have won just five to slip down to sixth and are in serious danger of missing out on the Champions League for a third straight season.
All of those five victories came against the bottom six at home, but Maresca’s men were unable to complete the set against Ipswich.
The Tractor Boys took advantage of some shambolic defending to go 2-0 up at Stamford Bridge.
An Axel Tuanzebe own goal and Jadon Sancho’s stunning strike restored parity.
But Chelsea’s lack of a cutting edge in the final third cost them again as they failed to make 74 percent possession and 34 shots at goal count.
The Blues now face having to make up ground during difficult fixtures in the run-in.
Chelsea face four of the top eight in their final six games.
© 2025 AFP