Darwin Nunez's first-half goal gave Liverpool victory over West Ham United on Wednesday night, helping them build on their three points against Manchester City.
The Reds needed a penalty save from Alisson to keep them ahead against the Hammers, with James Milner also making a late block from Tomas Soucek to preserve the points. With Chelsea dropping points at the same time, it helped Jurgen Klopp's team gain ground on the top four.
Away from Anfield, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is preparing for a pressure game for his Aston Villa side, with one of his own Reds moment taking centre-stage. Here are the latest news lines from Merseyside.
Nunez decision explained
Jurgen Klopp has explained his decision to substitute match-winner against West Ham United. The Uruguayan had further chances to find the net, including a shot against the post, but made way before the hour mark.
"Darwin was exceptional, he scored a very good goal, hit a post and produced some fine saves from Fabianski, so he showed he has arrived at 100 per cent," Klopp said. “He felt a bit of the muscle in the first half, so we took him off early, but I think we caught it at the right problem, so no, I don’t think it is a problem.”
It was a third goal in as many starts for Nunez, and his first in the league at Anfield. He also netted in the Champions League against Rangers and in the Premier League defeat at Arsenal in his recent run.
Gerrard channels Reds moment
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is under pressure at Aston Villa after some recent underwhelming results, but says he has received support from the club's higher-ups. His team take on Fulham on Thursday with a chance to climb away from danger, and Gerrard has referenced a famous Liverpool win in his pre-match preparations.
"The Champions League final was one game, and one moment in time, where people will go to judge me as a player, but on a daily basis I'm so determined to pull through this tough spell and take us to a better position," Gerrard said.
"As players, you're very much aware of what's going on and all the players here will be aware of where we're at. I see a team that's doing everything they can to turn results around and they won't be happy sitting where we are. When you've got that togetherness, in my shoes that's huge.”
Van Dijk's intervention
Liverpool fans spotted Virgil van Dijk appearing to scuff up the penalty spot at Anfield before Jarrod Bowen missed a golden chance to draw West Ham level. Bowen won the penalty after a foul by Joe Gomez, but saw his effort saved by Alisson.
"Back to being mentality monsters! We need wins,” one fan said after noticing the antics. “We’ve needed more s***house for a while,” said another, while a third called the actions “proper football”.
Alisson's penalty save made it two clean sheets in a row for the Brazilian international. Liverpool ended the evening seventh in the table, but remain four points adrift of the Champions League places.
