Liverpool beat West Bromwich with goalkeeper Alisson scoring the winning goal. The Brazilian scored with the final touch of the game, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch. The Reds moved to one point behind Chelsea, thanks to their latest success.
The unprecedented set of events that led to Liverpool’s win over West Bromwich Albion are unlikely to be repeated. The Reds trailed early on against the relegated Baggies before Mohamed Salah brought them back level. However, fans had to wait past the final minute of added time at the end of the second half to witness the week’s – perhaps the season’s – most remarkable event.
Liverpool knew they needed a win going into the match against West Brom. The Reds had the unique opportunity to make up ground on Leicester City and Chelsea, with both teams involved in the FA Cup final. Meanwhile, a win would’ve taken them to within a point of Chelsea. That would put the Reds in a position to take advantage of any slips, given that both teams above them are also involved in a league match this week.
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However, Jurgen Klopp’s side started the match poorly. They fell behind in the 15th minute to a Han Robson-Kanu goal – the Welshman connecting with a Matheu Pereira pass to score past Alisson in the Liverpool goal. Nonetheless, the Reds managed to grab the equalizer before half-time with Salah bailing them out, once again. The Egyptian curled the ball past Sam Johnstone in goal, following a quickly taken free-kick.
Liverpool persisted with their efforts to take the lead in the match, but with the clock running out, it seemed unlikely. Then the Reds were awarded a corner kick in the final seconds of second-half stoppage time, which led to one of the most remarkable events of the Premier League season. As is often the case when teams are truly desperate, goalkeeper Alisson joined in at the attacking end for what was surely the last kick of the match. However, the Brazilian did more than just standing and admiring his teammates as they flocked the opposition box – he rose highest to head the subsequent corner past his opposite number.
Alisson’s deft flick from an Alexander-Arnold corner saw the ball nestle into the net as the referee brought the match to a close. Liverpool players celebrated while those in the stands – and watching from the comfort of their homes – could hardly believe what they had just witnessed. The goalkeeper’s goal not only won the match for the Reds but also kept their Champions League dream alive.
The custodian gave an emotional interview post-match, dedicating the goal to his late father.
“I am too emotional – this last month – everything that happened with me and my family – but football is my life,”
“I have played since I remember as a human being with my father. I hope he was here to see it. I am sure he is celebrating.
“This was for my family and for the boys. We fight a lot together and we want to get to the Champions League. We won it in 2019 and it was all because of qualification.
“I hope my father is watching and celebrating somewhere. I am really happy – thank you for the players as we fight a lot.
“We are exhausted from this season – there has been a lot of pressure – I am happy for the win.”
Alisson said.
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur remained in contention for a Champions League spot with a two-nil win over Wolves. Harry Kane and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scored the goals that saw Spurs overtake rivals West Ham United in the league table. Later, Everton were beaten 1-0 by Sheffield United with the goal coming from teenager Daniel Jebbison. The loss confirmed Everton’s elimination from the top four race, as they can longer match the points total by those currently occupying the final two spots.
