Tag: Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk Error Starts Liverpool Collapse as Bournemouth Snatch Late 3-2 Win

Virgil van Dijk
January 2026

Van Dijk was blamed for Bournemouth’s opener after misplaying a long ball, as Liverpool’s defensive chaos and a delayed substitution after Gomez collided with Alisson contributed to a 3-2 defeat despite a brief comeback. Scott collected Van Dijk’s mistake and crossed for Evanilson. Gomez went off injured, but Endo’s entry was delayed and Liverpool played short-handed, conceding again. Liverpool rallied through Van Dijk and Szoboszlai, but Bournemouth’s late winner sealed it.

Liverpool Near £43m Joel Ordonez Deal as Slot Targets Defensive Reset

Joel Ordonez
January 2026

Liverpool are close to finalising a £43m deal for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez as they look to reinforce a defence that has underperformed this season. The move follows a wider focus on fixing set-piece issues. Liverpool’s form collapsed after a strong start, with defensive problems and set-piece concessions a key theme. The club has already parted ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, while Virgil van Dijk has pointed to second-phase defending as a major cause of goals conceded.

Florian Wirtz denied first Liverpool goal by dubious own goal call

Florian Wirtz
December 2025

Liverpool needed a stroke of luck to avoid another damaging league result, drawing level when Florian Wirtz’s mis-hit shot deflected heavily off Nordi Mukiele and beat Robin Roefs, only for the Premier League’s goal accreditation panel to credit it as a Sunderland own goal. After Virgil van Dijk’s error and deflected concession left Liverpool chasing the game, Curtis Jones sparked a rare attacking surge and Wirtz slalomed through the box, but replays showed his effort was heading well wide, inviting more mockery of his output despite him being one of Liverpool’s few bright performers in a flat display.

Slot Under Fire As Liverpool Face Make-Or-Break Trip To Forest

Arne Slot
November 2025

Liverpool’s 3-0 collapse at Manchester City has left Arne Slot under growing scrutiny, with pundits warning that another slip-up against struggling Nottingham Forest could deepen an alarming run of seven defeats in ten games and drag the reigning champions further from the title race. Don Hutchison argues Slot must finally settle on a clear system that fits Liverpool’s biggest names during a softer run of fixtures, insisting this stretch against bottom-half opposition is where a convincing plan, consistent line-ups and sustained results must appear or pressure will quickly escalate.

PGMOL backs VAR: Van Dijk equaliser rightly ruled out

Virgil van Dijk
November 2025

PGMOL confirmed the offside decision that cancelled Van Dijk’s header versus Manchester City was correct, citing Andy Robertson’s offside position and clear ducking action near the goalkeeper as interfering with play under Law 11. Liverpool had lodged a formal complaint. Webb explained the on-field team judged Robertson’s movement affected the keeper’s ability to attempt a save and VAR upheld it as not “clearly and obviously wrong.” The call remained subjective but within protocol, closing Liverpool’s challenge despite ongoing debate over interference thresholds.

Slot slams offside call that cancelled Van Dijk equaliser at City

Arne Slot (Liverpool)
November 2025

Liverpool’s 3–0 defeat included a disallowed Van Dijk header for offside interference by Andy Robertson. Slot argued Robertson didn’t impede Gianluigi Donnarumma’s line of sight and cited prior precedent, calling the decision “influential” given Liverpool’s poor first-half level and fragile game state. VAR judged Robertson—three yards offside and ducking under the flight—to impact play. Slot contrasted consistency with a John Stones goal allowed last season, contending delayed flag/communication swayed outcome. He admitted Liverpool’s first-half issues but maintained 1–1 would have materially altered approach and momentum.

Rooney stands by Van Dijk criticism amid Liverpool slump

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
November 2025

Rooney doubled down after Van Dijk called his earlier comments “lazy,” maintaining the Liverpool captain has dipped below his best and must self-reflect. Liverpool’s six defeats in seven triggered scrutiny of Arne Slot’s side after a record summer outlay on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. Rooney argued Van Dijk’s leadership and consistency have waned, mirroring team instability. Van Dijk dismissed the remarks, stressing unity and accountability. The exchange underscores internal strain and public pressure amid Liverpool’s defensive lapses and loss of rhythm compared to their 2024–25 title season.

Slot brands Brentford loss Liverpool’s worst of the streak

Arne Slot (Liverpool)
October 2025

Slot decried basics and duels lost as Liverpool slumped to a fourth successive league defeat, slipping to sixth. He bemoaned two calls: a denied Gakpo penalty before Brentford’s second, and a VAR penalty against Van Dijk converted by Thiago. Goals from Ouattara, Schade, Kerkez and Salah framed a chaotic setback that further dents the champions’ title defence.

Slot Confirms Salah and Stars to Miss Carabao Cup Tie

Arne Slot (Liverpool)
September 2025

Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirmed Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai will all be rested for the Carabao Cup clash with Southampton after a demanding run of fixtures. After making changes in the Merseyside derby win over Everton, Slot stressed rotation is vital to sustain momentum across competitions. The absence of key starters opens opportunities for fringe players to prove themselves as Liverpool’s depth faces a fresh test midweek.

Gordon Slammed for Reckless Red Against Liverpool

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
August 2025

Anthony Gordon was sent off after a dangerous lunge on Virgil van Dijk left stud marks on the defender’s calf. Initially given a yellow card, VAR upgraded it to a red, leaving Newcastle down to ten men against Liverpool. The reckless foul drew widespread criticism online, with fans calling the challenge dangerous and “madness.” Gordon will miss three games as punishment, further denting Newcastle’s attacking depth after he was one of their brighter performers in the opening half.

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