Liverpool Star Admits Making Mistake That Cost The Premier League Champions Arsenal Game (Video)

Virgil van Dijk took “responsibility” for Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat in their latest Premier League outing, which was against Arsenal on Wednesday, July 15.

Sadio Mane’s brilliant strike put the Premier League champions 1-0 up at the Emirates Stadium. However, Van Dijk’s poor work in the 32nd minute allowed Alexandre Lacazette to score the equalizer before Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s error allowed Arsenal to take the lead that they held on to until the final whistle.

With the loss to Arsenal, 2019-20 winners Liverpool now cannot emulate Manchester City’s 100 points feat, which the former champions had registered two seasons ago.

Speaking to Sky Sports in a post-match interview, Van Dijk, who has been Liverpool’s rock support since his debut in 2018, confessed The Reds lost the Arsenal game because they gifted the goals to their opponents.

"The goals we gave them as a present. I think until their first goal it was totally us, we dominated, put pressure on them and we gave them two goals and obviously, then it’s difficult to come back. We created some opportunities and obviously, they tried to break on us at times but if you give the goals away like we did today, including me, then we get what we deserve, " said Van Dijk.

The 29-year-old Dutch defender also explained a team can end up conceding a goal even if it loses concentration for a moment and Liverpool, unfortunately, did that twice Wednesday.

After Liverpool were crowned champions of England this season, they lost twice (vs Man City and Arsenal) and drew against Burnley. These results have attracted criticisms stating Jurgen Klopp’s side had become complacent.

Defending his side, Van Dijk said, "It’s so easy to say that. It’s so easy to blame that as well, I think. If you watch the game, then you can see until I made the mistake there was nothing wrong. We played well. I had a feeling we could win here comfortably at one point but obviously, if you give them the goals then we see what happens. Unfortunately, I made a mistake, I take the blame for it of course. I’ll take it as a man and move on."