Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has fired a subtle dig at Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey for his lapse in concentration that resulted in Liverpool’s first goal against Arsenal on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
Van Dijk restored parity for Liverpool in the 18th minute after Bukayo Saka sent the Gunners ahead in the 9th minute.
Van Dijk, who Thomas Partey was marking, got the better of the Ghanaian to head home a flicked header from Luiz Diaz.
Arsenal got ahead again through Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, who headed a delicious cross from English midfielder Declan Rice.
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, however, got Liverpool back in the game by finishing off a great Liverpool counter-attack in the 81st minute.
The game, which ended 2-all at the Emirates Stadium, ensured that Arsenal retained their third position on the league log while Liverpool dropped to second, with Manchester City leapfrogging them to first.
Speaking on his goal after the game, Van Dijk said that it was quite easy as Partey was only interested in watching him and not the ball.
“I think they’re very solid in set pieces and they’ve shown it. I think obviously when I was marked by Partey, I think he only looked at me, so it was quite easy to get away from him. But anyway, it’s a little bit of luck that you need, a little flick from Lucho, and I was there to tap it in,” he said.
Despite the momentary lapse in concentration, Partey was outstanding for Arsenal, thriving in an unfamiliar right-back role.
Partey played as a right-back after manager Mikel Arteta made changes in their backline following the absence of William Saliba and Ricardo Calafiori.
Partey ended the game with the most duels won – 13, most tackles won – 4, and most Arsenal touches – 79.
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