Matip winner gives Liverpool hard fought win at West Ham

Mueez Ajao

– Liverpool came from a goal down to win at West Ham and boost their hopes of securing European football next season.

– The Hammers took a 12th-minute lead when Lucas Paqueta, after playing a one-two with Michail Antonio, fired from 20 yards out past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

– But the advantage lasted less than six minutes before Cody Gakpo equalised with his own shot from outside the penalty area.

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– West Ham thought they had gone back in front with Jarrod Bowen’s angled strike but the England forward was ruled offside by the video assistant referee to keep it at 1-1.

– An unmarked Joel Matip scored what proved to be the winner in the 67th minute with a powerful header from Andy Robertson’s corner from the left.

– There was a late scare for Liverpool when Thiago handled in the penalty area, with Hammers boss David Moyes furious that a decision was not awarded by either on-field referee Chris Kavanagh or Neil Swarbrick on video assistant referee duty.

– At the final whistle Moyes confronted Kavanagh, still angry at the decision that cost his side an opportunity to earn a point.