- Liverpool drew 2-2 against Arsenal in a top match on Sunday afternoon
- Many had seen the blockbuster encounter as a Premier League ‘title decider’
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Virgil van Dijk has laughed off suggestions that Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday was a ‘title decider’, saying those who thought it was ‘had no idea’ as there is still a long way to go regardless of the result.
The Reds drew 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday after twice coming from behind, with the captain himself scoring alongside Mohamed Salah to cancel out goals from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino.
A point at Arsenal was seen as positive by many in the Liverpool camp, even though they had to cede top spot to Manchester City, who won on Saturday. However, Van Dijk did not see it as a title decider at the start of the season, despite many thinking that much.
“I don’t know (how important the point was),” he said. ‘We’re in October. People said if you lose today you lose the competition, and in my opinion they have absolutely no idea about that.
“Because this season is so long and there are so many twists and turns that can happen and will happen, but we are focusing on the upcoming games.
Virgil van Dijk has laughed off suggestions that Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday was a Premier League ‘title decider’ – saying people who thought it ‘had no idea’
The Reds fought from behind to draw 2-2 with the Gunners at the top of the table
Van Dijk pulled his side level before Mohamed Salah struck late to secure a valuable point
‘The season is so long. Over the years I’ve mentioned it. The team that lays a very good foundation before December, and then gets through December in the best possible way, without injuries and good results, has a good chance of being at the top of the league.
‘But we focus on one game at a time. Today was a difficult day for both parties. We have a point. We’ll go back and concentrate on Brighton because that will also be a tough game on Wednesday (in the Carabao Cup).’
Van Dijk was asked about how new head coach Arne Slot has remained somewhat under the radar and the Dutchman said the new boss has made an excellent start. “At the start of the season, when a new manager comes in, no one thinks about how well things could go,” he added.
Van Dijk emphasized that there will be many ‘twists and turns’ in what will be a long season
The Dutch defender also praised Arne Slot and the impact he has had in a short time
‘The results were excellent. We just try to win the game, improve ourselves and be the best version of ourselves, both as a team and as individuals. In the games we have played so far, we have shown great football, both defensively and offensively.
‘But there are also times when we need to improve and we all know and realize that. And that is the focus every day before and after the matches we play. There are many things we can analyze, good things, but also not so good things, and that is the focus we have.’