Mac Allister sees run-in as Liverpool's proving ground

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That’s what we want," midfielder Mac Allister told BBC Sport. "Now that we spend some time together, I think things are easier for us – we understand each other.

"The goal is there and we are going to do everything to qualify and be closer to the teams on top." Mac Allister is starting to benefit from some personal momentum as after scoring the added-time winner at Nottingham Forest last weekend he added Liverpool’s third goal – all from corners – just before half-time. "But in the last few games I was able to score some goals, so (I’m) happy because I can help the team and at the same time I can gain some confidence." Hugo Ekitike’s 16th goal of the season, Virgil van Dijk’s third in the last eight and Mac Allister’s volley meant Liverpool became only the second team to score from three first-half corners in Premier League history.

"This is football, and we know now that we have another game that we need to win to help us get out of the position we’re in," Mateus Fernandes told West Ham’s website. "I think we’re getting better every week.