Virgil van Dijk sends message to Arsenal after Arne Slot’s side lose to Manchester City
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has told Arsenal that the Reds “won’t give up” on their Premier League title victory despite losing to Manchester City.
Erling Haaland made up for his early missed penalty to give Man City the lead in the 29th minute, with the Citizens looking to move within four points of leaders Arsenal with victory.
Liverpool thought they had equalized through Van Dijk before half-time, but VAR ruled out the Dutchman’s header for offside with Andy Robertson dodging to move away from the ball.
Instead, it was Pep Guardiola’s side who extended their lead with Nico Gonzalez scoring just before half-time to send Man City into the break as the happier of the two teams.
Jeremy Doku added a third for Man City with a brilliant strike from outside the box, as Liverpool finished the weekend eighth in the Premier League table and eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
Despite losing their fifth Premier League match in 11 games this season, Van Dijk is confident Liverpool will not give up as they look to defend their title.
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Van Dijk said after the match: “It’s about finding consistency and continuing. Now we go to our countries, stay fit and be ready for a big run afterwards.
“We’re not going to give up anything. It’s November and we’re ready for a long season and a big fight.
“The first half was difficult and they were a lot more comfortable with the ball and it was difficult for our guys to put pressure on them.
“I don’t think there was much danger, but Doku had a good match and it was difficult for Conor (Bradley) one-on-one at times. I don’t think we had many problems but we could have done better.
“We had to dig deep in the second half. We gained more momentum in possession, but the pressing wasn’t enough.”
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Reacting to his disallowed goal, the Liverpool captain added: “In football, officials make the key decisions and we have to deal with them on the pitch. There is no point in discussing it from my point of view.
“The reality is we lost 3-0 and it’s a big blow. It doesn’t matter what I say (about the goal) because everything I say will be in the media and the whole international break will be about my comment on the decision.
“I’m just focusing on the fact that we lost. You can debate whether that should have stood.”
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