Virgil van Dijk’s cheeky actions before Alisson’s penalty save from Jarrod Bowen

Alisson Becker saved a Jarrod Bowen penalty in Liverpool’s Premier League clash with West Ham on Wednesday evening.

Liverpool went into the game at Anfield looking to build on their morale-boosting victory against Manchester City on the weekend.

Darwin Nunez was upgraded to the starting lineup and he was in the mood as he gave his side the lead in the 22nd minute.

Konstantinos Tsimikas swung a ball into the box and the Uruguayan planted his header beyond Lukasz Fabianski and into the net.

Nunez went close a few more times in the opening 45 minutes. He saw a well-struck volley with his weaker left-foot well saved by Fabianski, while he also struck the post.

But, despite Liverpool’s dominance, West Ham were given a golden opportunity to level the scores when they were handed a spot-kick just before half-time.

Joe Gomez felled Bowen inside the box and, after input from VAR and consultation with the pitchside monitor, referee Stuart Attwell pointed to the spot.

Bowen stepped up but watched on in despair as he saw his effort well saved by Alisson Becker.

VIDEO: Alisson saves Bowen’s penalty in Liverpool vs West Ham

Virgil van Dijk’s actions prior to the penalty may have influenced the outcome.

While VAR was checking for a potential penalty, cameras spotted Van Dijk slyly walking up to the penalty spot and giving it a little scuff with his boot.

Moments later, the referee pointed to the spot and Bowen saw his penalty saved.

VIDEO: Van Dijk scuffs the penalty spot before Bowen’s penalty

Very, very cheeky from Van Dijk.

The half-time whistle sounded shortly and Liverpool went into the break with a slender one-goal advantage.

More to follow…

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