Liverpool’s title hopes in tatters after draw as Salah clashes with Klopp

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.

Liverpool remain third in the table, two points behind Arsenal before Mikel Arteta’s side visit Tottenham on Sunday with champions Manchester City a point better off before their trip to Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool’s title hopes in tatters after draw at West Ham as Salah clashes with Klopp

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.

Liverpool remain third in the table, two points behind Arsenal before Mikel Arteta’s side visit Tottenham on Sunday, with champions Manchester City a point better off before their trip to Nottingham Forest.

City have two games in hand over Klopp’s side, while the Gunners have one.

A frustrating day of missed opportunity for Liverpool was perhaps best summed up by manager Jurgen Klopp and substitute Mo Salah exchanging words in the aftermath of Antonio’s equaliser for the home side.

“We’re in a very, very difficult position. If Arsenal win, it is five points and Man City have some games in hand. Not impossible, but very difficult,” conceded Cody Gakpo on TNT Sports.

West Ham stay eighth on 49 points from 35 games, with the excellent Bowen equalling Paolo Di Canio’s record total of 16 goals for the Hammers in a Premier League season.

Talking Point: Why was Gakpo denied chance of late winner?

Referee Anthony Taylor was caught up in controversy as he blew the whistle to stop play with Cody Gakpo apparently set to slot the winning goal late on.

West Ham goalkeeper Areola dropped the ball to his feet after apparently recovering from injury, but Taylor had been playing advantage due to an earlier infringement against the home side and opted to blow his whistle when he realised West Ham were no longer gaining an advantage.

In the spirit of the game, it would not have been correct for Taylor to allow Gakpo to score, but the easiest way to solve the confusion was to forget playing advantage and immediately award West Ham a free-kick before Areola needed treatment.

Player of the Match: Luis Díaz (Liverpool)

How Diaz left London without helping his side to three points is a minor mystery. The Colombian winger hit the post in the first half before playing provider for Andy Robertson’s equaliser and generally causing West Ham all sorts of problems with an outstanding display. Only the brilliance of Areola in the West Ham goal denied him seconds before the home side equalised.

Player Ratings

West Ham: Areola 8, Coufal 7, Zouma 6, Ogbonna 6, Emerson 7, Soucek 6, Alvarez 6, Kudus 6, Paqueta 6, Bowen 8, Antonio 8. Subs: Ward-Prowse 6

Liverpool: Alisson 6, Alexander-Arnold 7, Van Dijk 7, Quansah 6, Robertson 7, MacAllister 7, Gravenberch 6, Endo 6, Elliott 7, Gakpo 7, Diaz 8. Subs: Gomez 6, Szoboszlai 6, Nunez 6, Salah 6

Match Highlights

43′ GOAL! WEST HAM 1-0 LIVERPOOL (BOWEN) West Ham work a short corner as Bowen rises to head home the cross from Kudus. So simple. His 20th goal of the season after he had won the corner with his shot saved by Alisson. Awful defending by the visitors. A 1-0 lead for West Ham. Klopp looking bemused.

48′ GOAL! WEST HAM 1-1 LIVERPOOL (ROBERTSON) Brilliant move from Klopp’s men as Robertson reacts quickly from the Diaz pass to pop the finish into the net. Areola tipped it onto the post before it nestled in the net. Suddenly Liverpool fans in full voice.

65′ GOAL! WEST HAM UNITED 1-2 LIVERPOOL (AREOLA) Liverpool have turned this match right on its head. West Ham fail to deal with the corner as Gakpo drives the ball across goal. Hits Ogbonna, comes off Soucek on the line and ends up in the net off Areola. Can’t say it wasn’t coming.

77′ GOAL! (ANTONIO) WEST HAM 2-2 LIVERPOOL Bowen with the cross for Michail Antonio to power a header beyond Alisson and into the net. Alisson making a great stop from Emerson seconds earlier, but no chance with that finish. It is 2-2. Phew! What a finish is coming up.

79′ SALAH AND KLOPP EXCHANGE WORDS Both men caught up in the heat of the moment on the touchline. Doesn’t help when your team has just conceded a late equaliser. Pressure of elite football.

Key Stat

Liverpool agree compensation with Feyenoord over Slot move – reports

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Exclusive: Klopp on Liverpool’s title chances – ‘I don’t write it off’

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‘More than happy’ – Klopp gives Slot approval for ‘best job in the world’

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

‘It’s no secret I want to go to Liverpool’ – Slot ‘confident’ deal will be reached

Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that he wants to take over as Liverpool manager and is “confident” that a deal between the two sides can be reached.

Slot, 45, recently emerged as the new favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield after moves for Xabi Alonso – who spearheaded Bayer Leverkusen’s maiden Bundesliga title – and Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim reportedly did not come to fruition.

Slot had previously kept his cards close to his chest regarding the potential move, but speaking to ESPN Netherlands he confirmed his desire to leave Feyenoord for Anfield.

Slot said: “The clubs are negotiating. I am awaiting the outcome. It’s no secret I want to go to Liverpool.

“Now I am waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement. I am confident that will happen.”

It was reported on Wednesday that Liverpool were set to open talks with Slot – who guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title last season, and what looks set to be a second-placed finish this campaign.

Slot replaced Dick Advocaat in the hotseat of the Dutch club in 2021, and his success attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur last season, prior to their appointment of Ange Postecoglou.

Alonso, Amorim and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi were all reported candidates for the Liverpool hotseat, which is being vacated by Klopp at the end of the season. Alonso seemingly rejected the move by signing a contract extension with the Bundesliga champions, and reports have suggested that Slot is now the club’s main target.

Slot has achieved great success at Feyenoord, earning a spot at the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2022 before claiming the Eredivisie title the following season. His side also won the KNVB Cup this campaign, and have displayed attacking, high-tempo football throughout his time at the helm.

Following Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday, captain Virgil van Dijk told Viaplay “the way he (Slot) plays and the philosophy he has that he could be a Liverpool coach.”

Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League standings, three points off leaders Arsenal. Klopp leaves the club at the end of the season having picked up the Carabao Cup this season, as well as historic Champions League and Premier League titles in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

‘It’s no secret I want to go to Liverpool’ – Slot ‘confident’ deal will be reached

Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that he wants to take over as Liverpool manager and is “confident” that a deal between the two sides can be reached.

Slot, 45, recently emerged as the new favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield after moves for Xabi Alonso – who spearheaded Bayer Leverkusen’s maiden Bundesliga title – and Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim reportedly did not come to fruition.

Slot had previously kept his cards close to his chest regarding the potential move, but speaking to ESPN Netherlands he confirmed his desire to leave Feyenoord for Anfield.

Slot said: “The clubs are negotiating. I am awaiting the outcome. It’s no secret I want to go to Liverpool.

“Now I am waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement. I am confident that will happen.”

It was reported on Wednesday that Liverpool were set to open talks with Slot – who guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title last season, and what looks set to be a second-placed finish this campaign.

Slot replaced Dick Advocaat in the hotseat of the Dutch club in 2021, and his success attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur last season, prior to their appointment of Ange Postecoglou.

Alonso, Amorim and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi were all reported candidates for the Liverpool hotseat, which is being vacated by Klopp at the end of the season. Alonso seemingly rejected the move by signing a contract extension with the Bundesliga champions, and reports have suggested that Slot is now the club’s main target.

Slot has achieved great success at Feyenoord, earning a spot at the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2022 before claiming the Eredivisie title the following season. His side also won the KNVB Cup this campaign, and have displayed attacking, high-tempo football throughout his time at the helm.

Following Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday, captain Virgil van Dijk told Viaplay “the way he (Slot) plays and the philosophy he has that he could be a Liverpool coach.”

Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League standings, three points off leaders Arsenal. Klopp leaves the club at the end of the season having picked up the Carabao Cup this season, as well as historic Champions League and Premier League titles in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

How to watch West Ham v Liverpool on TNT Sports and discovery+

Liverpool will return to action on Saturday when they face West Ham at the London Stadium, bidding to win another Premier League title under Jurgen Klopp in the German’s final campaign at the club.

The Reds are locked in a three-way battle for the trophy alongside Arsenal and defending champions Manchester City, with plenty of twists and turns still to come as the season reaches its climax.

While Man City have the FA Cup final against Manchester United to look forward to as well, all three sides were knocked out of Europe last week, heightening the focus on the league.

It’s the same for the Hammers as they were knocked out of the UEFA Europa League, but they still have a lot to play for.

They are fighting with Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea for sixth and seventh spots in the league.

When is West Ham v Liverpool?

West Ham host Liverpool in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, April 27.

Kick-off is at 12:30 UK time, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1 commencing at 11:00.

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West Ham v Liverpool will be live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage from 11:00 UK time on Saturday, April 27 ahead of kick-off at 12:30.

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How do I watch Premier League live streams on TNT Sports? What is discovery+?

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Which Premier League matches are on TNT Sports?

TNT Sports will show the following matches live in April and May:

MATCH DATE AND TIME
West Ham United v Liverpool Saturday April 27, 12:30
Aston Villa v Chelsea Saturday April 27, 20:00
Arsenal v Bournemouth Saturday May 4, 12:30
Fulham v Manchester City Saturday May 11, 12:30
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

Klopp: I can only apologise, we should have done better

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

Liverpool suffer huge title blow as Branthwaite and Calvert-Lewin give Everton derby victory

Everton took a giant step towards Premier League survival and dealt neighbours Liverpool’s title hopes a near fatal blow with a deserved 2-0 victory at Goodison Park.

The Toffees saw an early penalty award overturned by VAR but took the lead on 27 minutes when Jarrad Branthwaite squeezed a shot underneath Alisson and in off the post after a comedy of errors in the visiting defence.

Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz all blew big chances as the Reds’ recent profligacy continued before Dominic Calvert-Lewin was left unmarked to nod home a right-wing corner on 58 minutes.

Diaz struck the post as the visitors desperately pushed for a way back into it but they were second best throughout and slumped to a fourth league loss of the season.

The result sees Liverpool remain in second spot, three points off leaders Arsenal with just four games to play. Manchester City are a point behind with two games in hand, leaving Klopp’s men needing some major favours to have any chance of ending the season in top spot.

The rare derby victory ensures 16th-placed Everton move eight points clear of the drop zone with just four games to play in what was Sean Dyche’s first all-Merseyside clash on home turf.

Liverpool must now bounce back at West Ham on Saturday to avoid seeing their final season under Klopp peter out with a disappointing finale. Everton host 15th-placed Brentford knowing they are close to securing their Premier League status.

Talking Point – Three surely becomes two in the Premier League title race

Liverpool’s dream of sending Jurgen Klopp off with the second Premier League title of his trophy-laden reign are all-but over. The German’s final Merseyside derby ends with a first ever loss at Goodison and it’s one that leaves his team now needing an unlikely wobble from BOTH Arsenal and Manchester City.

This was a below par display that demonstrated what looked likely in recent home losses to Atalanta and Crystal Palace – that the players have joined their manager in running out of steam.

Everton were worthy winners and despite their points deduction now appear heavy favourites to avoid the drop after securing a third win in their last four outings.

Player of the match

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton). The forward was an injury doubt leading into the contest but you would never know it as he bullied Ibrahima Konate and made Liverpool’s defence look shaky throughout. His reward was a game-clinching header and a place in Merseyside derby folklore.

Player Ratings

EVERTON: Pickford 8, Godfrey 8, Tarkowski 8, Branthwaite 8, Mykolenko 7, Gueye 8, Harrison 8, Doucoure 8, Garner 8, McNeil 8, Calvert-Lewin 9. Subs: Young 7, Onana 6, Chermiti n/a.

LIVERPOOL: Alisson 6, Alexander-Arnold 4, Konate 4, Van Dijk 5, Robertson 5, Szoboszlai 5, Mac Allister 5, Jones 4, Diaz 6, Salah 4, Nunez 4. Subs: Elliott 6, Quansah 6, Endo 5, Gomez n/a, Tsimikas n/a.

Match Highlights

27’ – GOAL! – Everton 1-0 Liverpool: (Branthwaite). It’s a comedy of errors at the back for the visitors as a miscued clearance drops for Branthwaite whose shot squeezes past Alisson and in off the post.

36’ – LIVERPOOL CHANCE! A slick move sees the ball touched to Nunez but he fires straight at Pickford with the goal gaping.

58’ – GOAL! – Everton 2-0 Liverpool: (Calvert-Lewin). Calvert-Lewin leaps unmarked at the back stick and easily heads home a right-wing corner.

70’ – LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Diaz cuts in from the left and clangs the far post with a fizzing shot with Pickford well beaten.

Key Stats