Van Dijk expected Alisson to intervene on Arsenal's goal against Liverpool

Van Dijk explained his positioning for Arsenal's opening goal, saying he expected Alisson to claim the ball that Havertz finished at the far post.

Liverpool lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal in a Premier League clash where Van Dijk felt his side deserved more. The decisive goal came after just 15 minutes when Alisson's attempted pass under pressure was intercepted, allowing Arsenal to counter quickly. Declan Rice's low, hard cross found Kai Havertz at the far post for the opener.

When asked about his positioning for the goal, Van Dijk told Play Sports he made a split-second decision that Alisson would reach the ball, which came through the corridor between keeper and centre-backs at pace. He felt Liverpool created chances and pressed Arsenal hard, particularly in the first half, but lacked clinical finishing. Van Dijk also believed his side should have been awarded penalties in three separate situations, calling one involving Alexander Isak a "clear penalty" that should have been obvious to all 50 cameras in the stadium.