Andy Robertson's reactions to Virgil van Dijk speak volumes as Liverpool beat West Ham

Virgil van Dijk appeared to have thrown away two points for when he tangled with Andy Robertson to gift a soft equaliser. But just three minutes later, he was up the other end, nudging Niclas Fullkrug and heading Alexis Mac Allister's corner into the net to rectify his error.

Having screamed in anger at his captain minutes earlier, Robertson was one of the first to celebrate with Van Dijk by the corner flag, planting a kiss on his forehead. Over on the touchline there was a huge punch of the air from , who wants to secure the title as soon as possible and is now just two wins away.

After threw away yet another two points by drawing 1-1 with Brentford on Saturday, this was a nerve-settler at Anfield. Liverpool and now have a gigantic 13-point gap to the second-placed Gunners.

There shouldn't really have been any nerves. Liverpool have been champions elect for weeks, but a look at Van Dijk's actions in the final stages of the West Ham game made it clear that the jitters were present.

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Even before the own goal, he clattered into Robertson while going for a header, prompting the physio to come on and treat the Reds left-back. Then, minutes later, he failed to communicate with the Scot and sent his attempted clearance straight into the shins of his team-mate and into the bottom corner from Aaron Wan-Bissaka's hopeful cross.

But while his leadership qualities appeared to be lacking then, there were clear minutes later. He made sure he was the one getting his head on Mac Allister's out-swinging corner, easing Fullkrug out of the way - just enough to buy himself the space he needed but not enough to draw a decision from the VAR.

Van Dijk kissed the badge in front of the celebrating fans, making it clear that he is going to follow in Mohamed Salah's lead and stay put at Anfield. The Dutchman is not ready to leave and offered a theory as to why he is yet to officially made his decision public.

"Listen, I think there may be some news on Virgil van Dijk next week," Carragher told before kick-off. "I think the fact the news came out, maybe not trying to do two players on one day.

"Maybe not trying to steal the thunder of either of the players, Virgil van Dijk or Mo Salah. I think Mo Salah had his moment a few days ago and I'm sure that will be the case with Virgil van Dijk next week."

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