Virgil van Dijk has accepted responsibility for Arsenal’s second goal as they went on to beat Liverpool 3-1 in a crucial game at the top of the Premier League table.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard all got on the scoresheet for the Gunners, but it is the Brazilian’s 67th-minute goal which got fans and pundits talking.
Fans slammed both van Dijk and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson for failing to deal with a ball, letting it bounce, and gifting Martinelli the opportunity to regain Arsenal’s lead in the match from 18 yards.
But in his post-match interview, Liverpool captain van Dijk admitted he takes the blame for that crucial second goal.
Van Dijk told Sky Sports it was ‘a tough day’, adding: ‘I think the 2-1 [Martinelli’s goal], I take full responsibility for that.
‘That is a big moment in the game. I should have made a better decision — it hurts for me.
‘The turning point is my responsibility, I should try to clear it. Obviously these things don’t happen too often in my career, but I will recover from this.
‘It is a physical game and I am not looking for excuses. At the highest level it is a split decision.
‘Alisson touched me a little bit and he couldn’t clear it, but I take full responsibility for this and I will try to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
‘It hurts losing. The way we did it today and in so many ways it was unnecessary.
‘It hurts for me and seeing the fans coming all the way down and the whole club it is not nice to be involved in mistakes, but I will work hard and be back.’
Fans on social media were quick to blame both the captain and the goalkeeper for their mistakes in allowing Martinelli to score.
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane also slammed van Dijk, blaming him for all three of Arsenal’s goals in the match, and likened the entire Liverpool defensive line to a pub team.
Liverpool’s first chance to redeem themselves comes when Burnley travel to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
