Arne Slot admits Virgil van Dijk chat before Liverpool error – ‘Definitely the wrong decision’

Liverpool were made to sweat by Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday with Rio Nguhoma netting the winner after the hosts had come from two goals behind after being reduced to ten men

Arne Slot refused to blame Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool’s defensive woes in their chaotic win against Newcastle. The Reds secured a dramatic three points at St James’ Park on Monday.

But they were made to work for their victory after Newcastle largely dominated the game. Strikes from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike had the Reds in front, only for Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula to equalise for Newcastle.

The second goal in particular had fans scratching their heads as Liverpool opted to defend a late set piece with a high line. The ball was nodded on by Dan Burn, with it eventually finding its way to Osula.

That decision looked to be down to Van Dijk and while Slot was aware that it might not have been the best call, he was sure the Dutchman held little blame. Speaking after his side’s win, he said: “I don’t think it’s fair to blame Virgil, it’s a combination. He has contact with us on the bench.

“All the other ones were further up the pitch, so we know what their idea is: they bring the ball to the ‘D’, Dan Burn is there attacking the ball, trying to make it difficult.

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“There were a lot of difficult situations for us coming off that, so either a second ball or a throw-in or another corner kick.

“So at that moment in time we decided that, because the ball was so deep, it was smarter not to get a second ball inside our 18-yard box again. But that was definitely the wrong decision in that moment looking back at it.”

Van Dijk himself has also pointed to Liverpool’s defence having bemoaned the fact that they conceded from two set pieces to throw their lead away – Rio Nguhoma eventually rescuing Liverpool with a last-gasp winner.

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“We all know it’s a difficult place to come,” Van Dijk said. “We know there was a lot of oil on the fire this week to get Newcastle fired up. What happened tonight was expected and, for us, the disappointing part was that we conceded two set pieces. That shouldn’t happen but overall great three points, move on and focus on the next one.”

Liverpool had already looked vulnerable so far this season having also let a 2-0 lead slip in their first game of the season against Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo scoring both. But once again, the Reds were rescued by late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah.

Slot’s side will certainly hope to find a little bit more defensive rigidity this coming weekend as they welcome title rivals Arsenal to Anfield.

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