Liverpool are closer to winning the Premier League after their win over West Ham - they can even wrap up the race next week at Leicester City
Liverpool's 2-1 win over West Ham has opened the door to potentially settling the Premier League title race when the Reds travel to play Leicester City next Sunday. That said, there is still much that must fall in Liverpool's favour for that to happen.
For a long time it appeared Luis Diaz's first-half strike would be the difference against the Hammers on Sunday afternoon. However, lack of communication between Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson was the cause of an own goal in the dying minutes.
Determined not to make that a definitive mistake, the captain rose highest from a corner to head home a stoppage-time winner. As it followed Arsenal's draw with Brentford on Saturday, the Reds now only need six more points from six fixtures to be crowned champions.
That is regardless of the Gunners taking maximum points in their remaining matches. If they do, then Liverpool can wrap up the title race as early as possible on Sunday, April 27, when Tottenham Hotspur are visitors to Anfield (4:30pm KO).
But with a trip to the King Power Stadium to play Leicester scheduled before that on Sunday, April 20 (4:30pm KO), there is a series of events that could result in Arne Slot's men being crowned Premier League champions next week.
Mikel Arteta and Co. would first have to lose to Ipswich Town at Portman Road when they play next Sunday in their 2pm kick-off. That would mean they can only finish the season with a maximum total of 78 points.
Liverpool, now on 76 points after their win over West Ham, can then win at Leicester to take their points total to a superior 79 with five matches to go.
In those final five matches of the season the Reds play Spurs at home, as already mentioned, followed by an away match at Chelsea. Arsenal are visitors to Anfield afterwards, the penultimate match of the season is away to Brighton and last but not least, Crystal Palace come to Anfield on the final day of the season.
The Premier League trophy is expected to be presented to the new champions on the final day of the season, and any match played as newly-crowned champions before the end of the season brings with it a guard of honour from the opponent.
But, even if Liverpool could settle the race next weekend they must remember that it is not going to be presented to them on a plate. The Gunners will have fight left in them to take to Ipswich whilst Leicester will be seeking to hold off relegation.
Their drop to the Championship can now be mathematically sealed by the Reds after Wolves beat Spurs this afternoon.
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