Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, accepted responsibility for his error that swung the tide of the match and lost the match 3-1 against Arsenal. Miscommunication between Van Dijk and Reds custodian Alisson resulted in Gabriel Martinelli’s second goal for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners an early lead, making the most of their home field advantage. Just before the half, Gabriel Magalhaes’ own goal was caused by a scruffy shot from Luis Diaz, but Liverpool rallied to equalise.
The Reds came out firing in the second half, displaying the perseverance that has allowed them to come back from multiple deficits this season. Regretfully, Alisson and Van Dijk miscommunicated unintentionally after Gabriel’s long ball, which resulted in the second goal.
Leandro Trossard’s goal in extra time gave Arsenal the advantage after Alisson made his second error of the game. By the time Arsenal scored their third goal, Ibrahima Konate had been sent off, making the Reds down a man.
Following the match, Van Dijk accepted responsibility for the situation while defending his teammates in an interview with Sky Sports (via Liverpoolfc.com). He declared:
In the end, it was undoubtedly a very difficult day. The 2-1 goal is a significant turning moment in the game, and I accept full responsibility for it. I ought to have performed better and chosen wisely in such situation. Both the rest of the team and I am hurting from it. We were really strong after the break, so I think that was a major turning moment in the game.
Alisson can be fairly blamed by many for making unnecessary commitments that resulted in the goal. However, errors do happen, and both players have brought enough victories to Liverpool to overlook a poor performance.
As the captain of the Reds, Van Dijk is having a fantastic season and is playing some of his greatest football ever. The Dutchman has established himself as the best defender in Europe right now, so even the slightest error is taken very seriously.
Liverpool, on the other hand, did not generate many obvious opportunities, and the entire team bears responsibility for the defeat. It’s time to go on, even if taking responsibility is necessary before the issues can be resolved.
