Talisman Van Dijk bags late winner as title within grasp

There will come a point, perhaps in the next few days, when Virgil van Dijk puts pen to paper.

- RICHARD JOLLY

There will be a time, probably in the next few weeks, when he lifts the Premier League trophy. If it is shaping up as an eventful April for the footballer, who will become the first Dutchman to skipper a side to the English title, its most dramatic few minutes may already have occurred.

Liverpool were wobbling, three minutes after conceding. Often immaculate, Van Dijk had been culpable, clearing Aaron WanBissaka’s cross into Andy Robertson and seeing it roll past the previously unbeatable Alisson for an own goal.

“Time to make it right,” Van Dijk said. A man who tends to exude authority restored order. Van Dijk headed in Alexis Mac Allister’s 89th-minute corner, leading by authority, marking his 100th Premier League game as captain by taking his team to the brink of the title. “One step closer to all of our dreams,” he added.

The equation is down to six points; the coronation could come as soon as next Sunday. Nervy and unconvincing, Liverpool almost stumbled against West Ham. They can be grateful that Arsenal’s pursuit of them has faltered, when their own form has been decidedly mixed, and this just a second win in five attempts in all competitions. “You could debate if we deserved to win it,” admitted Slot.