Premier League: West Ham v Liverpool – in pictures

Such is Liverpool's sparkling form this season that tickets for the match are in high demand Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Luís Suarez warms up prior to kick-off. Suarez has scored 29 goals this season. The top flight record for a 38-game season is held by Alan Shearer (1995-96) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2007-08), who hit 31 Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers will have to do without Danniel Agger, who is out with a knee injury Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Mohamed Diame of West Ham is pursued by Steven Gerrard of Liverpool Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is already proving a menace for Mamadou Sakho, Agger's replacement. West ham are playing with great intensity in the first half Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Luis Suarez cracks the crossbar with a curling effort in the first half Photograph: CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images

Raheem Sterling of Liverpool and Pablo Armero of West Ham eye a high ball Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Shortly before half-time, James Tomkins of West Ham blatantly handles the ball whilst defending against Luis Suarez in the box Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

The referee awards a penalty which Steven Gerrard converts Photograph: DYLAN MARTINEZ/REUTERS

But West Ham soon equalise with a contentious goal scored by Guy Demel. The West Ham player prodded into the net from close range ... Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images

... but only after Simon Mignolet was clearly caught in the face by a flailing arm from Andy Carroll, as seen here Photograph: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

What's most bizarre is that the linesman disallowed it for that very reason, but the referee overruled him Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

In the second half, West Ham United's Spanish goalkeeper Adrian denies Jon Flanagan. But the referee makes another howler by pointing to the spot. That was never a penalty ... Photograph: CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images

... but Steven Gerrard nervelessly converts it to hand Liverpool the lead once more. It's a lead they hold on to, earning them three precious points and keeping them in charge of their own destiny in the title-race. Next up, they face Manchester City at Anfield next Sunday. Final score: 1-2 Photograph: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images