Sadio Mane Led Liverpool To Beat West Ham 1-0, Jurgen Klopp: A Special Victory Against A Strong Team

JAKARTA - Sadio Mane's single goal brought Liverpool to a 1-0 win over West Ham United in the Premier League, Sunday morning. This result at the same time narrows the distance of the Reds with leaders Manchester City at the top of the standings.

Mane's close-range shot in the 27th minute was enough for second-placed Liverpool to get three points clear of City, as West Ham squandered several golden opportunities.

Liverpool currently have 63 points, three behind Manchester City, who have 66 points and have both played 27 games. Manchester City will host Manchester United on Sunday.

West Ham remain fifth on 45 points, at least until Sunday, but their challenge in the hunt for the top four is fading.

Sadio turning home his 14th goal of the season, from another @TrentAA assist 😍 pic.twitter.com/NunaIQrL2i

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 5, 2022

"I don't know if we will remember this game as one of the most important because it was the most difficult game from the start," said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp.

"We could have scored more goals and we didn't, then the game opened up. They had a lot of chances but you can't win the number of games we've won without luck from time to time."

"It's a special win against a strong team," said Klopp.

Experienced West Ham coach David Moyes has yet to lead a team to victory at Anfield, and he will be pondering how close his side can come to changing that statistic.

Even before Senegal international Mane sneaked in from behind to find the net for Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross, West Ham had already caused problems for Liverpool's defense with Alisson having to make saves from Tomas Soucek and Antonio.

West Ham responded to their deficit with a long ball forward but Pablo Fornals' effort to outwit Alisson with a lob was too weak and Trent threw it out.

Early in the second half Lanzini had the better chance when he found a cross in front of goal but his shot went over the bar.

Liverpool also had a number of chances with Mane having two of his efforts blocked and Luis Diaz curling just wide.

Liverpool have now won 12 games in a row in all competitions and will host Inter Milan holding a 2-0 lead and chasing a place in the last eight of the Champions League on Tuesday.