Liverpool have not been at their best this season and are set to face leaders Arsenal in the Premier League on Thursday, January 8. The Reds are heading to the Emirates after their thrilling 2-2 draw at Fulham, which saw them score and then concede in injury time.
Virgil Van Dijk Sends Message to Liverpool Teammates Ahead of Arsenal Clash
Virgil van Dijk spoke to the club’s media team after the 2-2 draw, saying they cannot dwell on the draw. He wants his teammates to pick themselves up and look forward to the game against Arsenal.
The Dutchman believes that they cannot go into the game thinking about anything but taking the challenge to the league leaders. He claimed that it was the only way to approach the game if they wanted to achieve a result. He said:
“From Tuesday on, we will definitely look at the strength that they have. They have a fantastic squad with players on the pitch and also coming from the bench. We all know at home they are unbeaten this season, I think, in all competitions.”
Van Dijk added, “So it is a nice challenge, and we should be ready for a big fight. I’m really looking forward to it, and I think everyone should. That is the only way to try to get a result over there. There is no reason to not look forward to it, in my opinion. Another opportunity, but first recover and then we’ll focus on that.”
The Anfield side is 14 points behind the Gunners ahead of the game, sitting fourth in the table. In contrast, the London side is at the top. Arne Slot’s side managed to clinch a late 1-0 win over Mikel Arteta’s men when they met earlier this season at Anfield.
Dominik Szoboszlai scored a late free kick in the game to help his side collect all three points. However, they have not had the best of seasons since the win, and have slipped up.
They cannot afford to drop points more as they will slip further down the table if they lose this week. A loss would see them finishing the game week in sixth place if Chelsea beats Fulham and Manchester United wins at Burnley.
Both sides will go level on points with the Reds, but the Blues have a significant advantage in goal difference, while the Red Devils currently have the same as Slot’s men.
