Liverpool title hopes dented again in West Ham draw

Jurgen Klopp's final season at the helm of Liverpool hit another snag on Saturday as the Reds were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by West Ham United, further dimming their hopes of clinching the Premier League title.

Still smarting from a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Everton in the Merseyside derby just days earlier, Liverpool appeared slightly sharper in a lackluster first half. Despite having a penalty appeal waved off due to an offside call and Luis Díaz striking the woodwork, they couldn't find the breakthrough.

As has been the case too often this season, Liverpool found themselves trailing first. Jarrod Bowen, celebrating his 200th appearance for the Hammers, notched his 20th goal of the campaign with a well-placed header just before the halftime whistle.

The Reds roared back after the interval, equalizing within three minutes of the restart. Andy Robertson's shot squirmed past West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola at the near post, bringing Liverpool back on level terms.

The visitors then took the lead in the 65th minute thanks to a comedy of errors. Cody Gakpo's miscued shot ricocheted off Angelo Ogbonna before Tomás Soucek's attempted clearance cannoned off the hapless Areola and into the net.

However, West Ham refused to lie down. Michail Antonio rose highest to meet Bowen's cross with a powerful header in the 77th minute, restoring parity for the hosts. A frenetic finale ensued, with Harvey Elliott rattling the crossbar as Liverpool desperately sought a late winner, but to no avail.

The draw leaves Liverpool languishing in third place with 75 points, trailing second-placed Manchester City by one point and league leaders Arsenal by two. Both City and Arsenal hold games in hand, further diminishing Liverpool's title aspirations.

Cody Gakpo didn't mince words when speaking to TNT Sports, admitting, "It is going to be difficult, not impossible, but very, very difficult."

While Liverpool's title hopes fade, West Ham's slim chances of securing European football next season remain alive. The draw keeps them in eighth place with 49 points, one point behind Newcastle United and four behind Manchester United, both of whom have two games in hand.