Rather a lot was manufactured from Arsenal‘s damage ‘points’ heading into the match towards Liverpool, and Virgil van Dijk rightly questioned the rhetoric after the 2-2 draw.
Should you listened to Arsenal followers within the buildup to Sunday’s recreation, you’ll have assumed they confronted an damage disaster akin to what the Reds skilled firstly of 2024.
They, in reality, had been lacking simply two regulars as a result of damage (Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori) after Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber miraculously recovered to begin.
The Gunners had been lacking William Saliba as a result of suspension however the scenario was not as dire as some would lead you to consider, and Van Dijk was simply as puzzled when talking after the match.
When requested if Liverpool sensed the hosts’ mentality modified when Gabriel was compelled off to make it one other participant injured, Van Dijk was visibly taken again.
“One other participant injured?” the Reds’ captain questioned. “Properly, I believe they solely had two accidents right this moment, isn’t it?
?? “One other participant injured? I believe they solely had two…”
Virgil van Dijk shares his ideas after Liverpool’s draw at Arsenal ? pic.twitter.com/kgjG0R80CS
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
“Yeah [we’ve got our own]. So clearly they performed a really, very sturdy workforce, and it’s a part of the sport. We had been clearly pushing, and I believe deservedly the rating equaliser.”
It’s bewildering how rapidly Arsenal‘s squad scenario snowballed, particularly contemplating Liverpool had been additionally with out two of their first-choice gamers in Alisson and Diogo Jota.
However, the Gunners couldn’t cease Liverpool from equalising twice, and Van Dijk identified how time in possession led to enchancment from Arne Slot‘s aspect after halftime.
“I believe we stored the ball somewhat bit longer,” Van Dijk defined. “I believe there was an issue, in my view, the primary half, we couldn’t hold the ball lengthy sufficient.
“I believe it was press from them, however I believe if we stored the ball longer, we might created somewhat bit extra momentum.
“Within the second half, we stored it longer and, clearly, we didn’t create a great deal of possibilities, however clearly we had been far more dominant and profitable the second balls and attempting and attempting.
“One level, we take it and we transfer now to the Carabao Cup.”
