Van Dijk seals dramatic win, Arsenal slip, Chelsea and Spurs falter

London, April 13: As the Premier League season edges closer to its dramatic conclusion, another thrilling weekend of action delivered late goals, crucial draws, and title-race ramifications. Liverpool took a major step towards reclaiming the crown with a last-gasp winner against West Ham, while Arsenal stumbled at home to Brentford, handing further advantage to the Reds. Chelsea fought back from two goals down against Ipswich in a pulsating contest, and Wolves stunned Spurs in a six-goal thriller at Molineux. Here’s how the key matches unfolded.
Van Dijk Header Moves Liverpool Closer to Title
A dramatic 90th-minute header from captain Virgil van Dijk gave Liverpool a vital 2-1 win over West Ham United at Anfield, moving them one step away from lifting the Premier League trophy.
The Reds took an early lead when Mohamed Salah, fresh from signing a new two-year contract, produced a sublime pass for Luis Diaz, who coolly slotted home in the 18th minute. But West Ham hit back before half-time through an unfortunate own goal by Andy Robertson, levelling the scores.
As the match teetered towards a draw, Van Dijk rose highest to meet a corner and powered home the winner, sending Anfield into raptures.
The result leaves Liverpool 13 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with six games remaining. Should the Gunners falter at Ipswich next weekend, Liverpool could clinch the title with a win against Leicester.
Goalkeeper Alisson, returning from concussion, was pivotal with several stunning saves – most notably tipping Mohammed Kudus’ audacious chip onto the bar. Alexis Mac Allister and Niclas Fullkrug both rattled the woodwork in a frantic second half, but the hosts held firm.
This victory also confirms Liverpool’s qualification for the 2025-26 Champions League, while West Ham, despite a spirited display, remain in danger, sitting 17th.
Wissa Stuns Arsenal with Late Equaliser
Yoane Wissa’s late strike earned Brentford a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, denting Arsenal’s fading title hopes and leaving them ten points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Manager Mikel Arteta, with one eye on a looming Champions League semi-final, made five changes, leaving out key names like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka. The result was a lacklustre Arsenal display lacking their usual intensity.
The deadlock was broken in the 61st minute when Thomas Partey finished off a brilliant run from Declan Rice, but Brentford levelled soon after. Nathan Collins nodded the ball into the six-yard box, where Wissa spun to fire home with a clever finish.
Saka almost stole the win in stoppage time with a curling effort that skimmed past the post, but Arsenal had to settle for a point. With limited attacking threat and only three shots on target, Arteta’s rotated side struggled to find a rhythm.
Brentford, now safe from relegation, continued their solid away form and have now scored in every away game of 2025. They sit just two points off the top half with six matches to play.
Sancho Saves Chelsea from Ipswich Upset
Jadon Sancho’s late equaliser spared Chelsea’s blushes as they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with relegation-threatened Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge.Despite dominating early possession, Chelsea fell behind when Julio Enciso converted Ben Johnson’s cross. Moments later, the roles reversed, with Enciso floating a perfect assist for Johnson to head in Ipswich’s second.
An own goal from Axel Tuanzebe just seconds after the break handed Chelsea a lifeline.
But it wasn’t until the 80th minute that substitute Sancho produced a moment of magic, curling in a stunning strike from a short corner to level the score.
Chelsea pushed for a winner, with Trevoh Chalobah and Pedro Neto going close, but were forced to settle for a draw. The result leaves the Blues fifth in the table, still three points behind third-placed Nottingham Forest, while Ipswich remain 14 points from safety with the drop looming.
Cunha Returns to Inspire Wolves in Six-Goal Thriller
Matheus Cunha marked his return from suspension with a decisive goal as Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 in a thrilling encounter at Molineux.
The hosts exploded out of the blocks with Rayan Ait-Nouri scoring inside 90 seconds – the fastest Premier League goal in Wolves’ history. Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario had a torrid time, later deflecting a cross onto Djed Spence, who turned it into his own net to double Wolves’ advantage.
Although Spurs responded through Mathys Tel and Richarlison, Wolves maintained their momentum. Jorgen Strand Larsen added a third before Cunha, on as a substitute, sealed the win with a composed finish.
The result lifts Wolves to 16th, now 14 points clear of the relegation zone and just one place below Spurs in 15th. Tottenham, meanwhile, suffered their 10th away defeat of the campaign. (Agencies)