“Liverpool defended like a pub team. I can’t believe how bad he was,” criticized Reds legendary Manchester United defender Roy Keane. The Reds were “sunk” paradoxically by the duo, thanks to which Liverpool continues to be the leader of the Premier League.
What happened at the Emirates? In the 67th minute, with the score 1:1, Van Dijk passed the ball to Alisson in front of the advancing Martinelli. However, the Brazilian goalkeeper missed, the Arsenal midfielder had an empty goal in front of him – 2:1.
“I take responsibility for the goal, it broke the game for Arsenal. This hurts a lot, I should have kicked the ball into the stands. I bothered Alisson with my body, he couldn’t kick the ball away,” Van Dijk poured ashes on his head.
Photo: Tony Obrien, Reuters
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp comforts Virgil van Dijk after the game at Arsenal.
“The coaches already instill in the pupils that in such situations you must not let the ball bounce. And if so, then kick him away as soon as possible. Van Dijk didn’t do either,” said ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, according to whom the Dutch international scored partly for the remaining two goals.
“Of course he has the right to play a bad game, but to be at fault for three goals in such a big game… This can be very regrettable for Liverpool in the fight for the title,” Keane pointed out. Although Liverpool has a two-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, if third-placed Manchester City manage both finishes, the Reds will jump a point ahead.
“Arsenal were better, they won deservedly. We didn’t have a shot on goal for the entire first half, even though we scored a goal. We picked ourselves up, but then came that unfortunate moment… It showed that even the players are only human beings,” said Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp.
His team did not have their day at the Emirates, but they could still think of a good result. A curious situation at the end of the first half put the guests on their feet. After a misunderstanding by the home defense, the onrushing Diaz shot the stopper Gabriel, from whose hand the ball bounced into the net. “We kicked ourselves in the teeth. But we knew we still had the whole second half to correct the mistake. It worked,” midfielder Declan Rice rejoiced.
The Gunners corrected the hesitation twice, substitute Trossard scored in the set-up. Van Dijk changed the direction of his not very sharp shot with the tip of his boot, the ball flew between Alisson’s legs. Emirates celebrated the goal, as well as the victory and return to the fight for the title. “Liverpool is probably the best team in Europe at the moment, we got a great result. We’re back at the top,” beamed Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.
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