Liverpool 2-1 West Ham United: Virgil van Dijk scores late winner for Reds

This was the first Liverpool game since Salah extended his stay at Anfield, and the home supporters made sure to make their Egyptian king feel loved.

Before kick-off, the stadium announcer named the Liverpool XI in positional order rather than numerical, meaning Salah’s name was read out last – allowing the fans to give him an especially large cheer.

And once the game started Salah, who had failed to score or assist in each of his previous four Liverpool appearances, looked to repay them in kind.

Shortly before the goal he skinned West Ham wing-back Ollie Scarles – one of many times during the game – and shot narrowly wide, before thumping the Anfield turf in frustration.

But minutes later he provided a remarkable 45th league goal involvement of the season – a record for a 38-game Premier League campaign – expertly finding Diaz using the outside of his left boot to give the Colombian the simple task of finishing.

With Salah off-colour, Liverpool had lost three of their previous four games. But with his future secured, he found his focus and form – and the champions-elect took three points.

Salah’s future is now sorted, so attention will turn to other first-teamers. Van Dijk is expected to sign a new deal but Trent Alexander-Arnold appears bound for Real Madrid – while Darwin Nunez was left out of the Liverpool matchday squad.