Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised his players’ fighting spirit after they battled to a dramatic 2-1 victory over West Ham United, putting themselves within touching distance of the Premier League title.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring, but West Ham drew level in the 86th minute through an unfortunate Andy Robertson own goal. Despite the setback, Liverpool bounced back almost immediately, with captain Virgil van Dijk heading home the winner just three minutes later.
The result gives Liverpool a commanding 13-point lead over second-placed Arsenal. With six matches remaining, they need just two more wins to secure their second Premier League title and a first trophy under Slot, having previously lost the League Cup final.
“That’s been our story all season,” Slot told Sky Sports. “After setbacks like the PSG defeat in the Champions League, the team always responds. They show up every three days with the same determination. We don’t win games the easy way, but we always find a way.”
Slot credited the players’ strong mentality as the key factor behind their success this season. He also admitted he feared they would drop more points in the second half as West Ham gained momentum, praising goalkeeper Alisson for his crucial saves.
“It was a tough second half. We really needed Alisson—Paqueta and Kudus were outstanding,” Slot said. “Conceding an own goal so late could have crushed us, especially after last weekend’s loss to Fulham. But the way we responded, with Virgil’s goal, just shows how strong this group is mentally.”
He added that no win in the Premier League comes easily these days, referencing the surprise result between Chelsea and Ipswich. “This league is stronger than ever. You’ve got to fight for every single point. Nothing comes easy.”
