VIRGIL VAN DIJK scored for Liverpool in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at the Emirates, but Arsenal fans complained that he shouldn’t have even been on the field.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the massive North London clash with a superb solo effort on nine minutes.
Two soccer players on a pitch with Arabic text at the bottom.Virgil van Dijk avoided a red card for kicking out two soccer players with expedia on their shirts.Van Dijk equalised for Liverpool.
But only ten minutes later, Van Dijk equalized from a Liverpool corner.
He averted a red card barely five minutes into the game after colliding with Kai Havertz.
During a fight with Havertz, the centre-back looked to kick out twice.
So when Van Dijk scored the equaliser, Arsenal fans were not delighted.
Someone said: “He shouldn’t even be on the pitch, but let’s save that for later.”
Another commented, “So Van Dijk equalizes not long after he should have been sent off.
“Any other team would have sent their player off, but Liverpool got away with it. Make it make sense.
One exclaimed, “Ah. Van Dijk, who should have been sent off, scored. “Of course.”
Arsenal ratings versus Liverpool.
ARSENAL lost further ground in the title chase with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s side is a top team, but Mikel Arteta will be frustrated that his club was unable to secure all three points despite leading twice.
Jordan Davies of SunSport assessed Arsenal’s players as follows:
DAVID RAYA – 6/10.He had little influence on Liverpool’s equaliser, having to stay on his line from the flicked-on corner, and Mohamed Salah’s tap-in from a quick counter.
JURRIEN TIMBER-7Kept Salah quiet for the most part and demonstrated his worth with the ball at his feet, although starting him was clearly a danger, as he hobbled out late on.
BEN WHITE – 7.He may have been at centre back, but his synergy with Saka persisted, looping a gem of a ball over the top for the opener and remaining steady even while those around him chopped and altered.
Gabriel – 7.He missed his centre-back partner but performed admirably until he limped off, which was concerning. It’s no surprise that Salah and Darwin Nunez found space in his absence.
Thomas Parey – 8He was targeted in his uncomfortable stance inside the first 30 seconds, but he managed to hold his ground for the most part. One of Arsenal’s top players.
MIKEL MERINO – 8.A wayward touch gave Salah a fantastic chance to score before he was hit in the shoulder that had kept him out earlier this season. And then, after a mediocre effort, he comes up with a thundering header just before halftime to reclaim the advantage.
DECLAN RICE – 8Did an excellent job in the middle of the pitch, making important interceptions and timely tackles. Continued to cover every blade of grass to the very end.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Drifted in and out of the game as a floating 10 and striker, but when needed, he dug in and pressed like a crazed hound. Despite his recent form, he remained quiet.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7.The first half was lively enough, but there weren’t many clear-cut chances. Unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after being dragged down by Ibrahima Konate.
BUKAYO SAKA: 9 Injuries? What injury? His hamstring seemed fine as he strolled in behind Andy Robertson, cutting through the full-back’s knees and blasting into the roof of the net.
Was rightly hauled off in the second half to protect him ahead of a difficult stretch of the season.
Kai Havertz – 7.Given the freedom to roam and go deep. After Martinelli’s penalty shout, I missed a sitter in the area, but I didn’t have enough service from crosses to be effective in the first half.
I remained a physical nuisance after the break, but I never had that one great opportunity.
SUBS: Jakub Kiwior (Gabriel, 54) – 6.It was impressive to come in from the cold and stay firm, but his work with the ball at his feet left much to be desired.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (TIMBER 76) – 6Caught out of position for Liverpool’s late equaliser, but also demonstrated remarkable maturity.
GABRIEL JESUS (Saka, 85) – N/AETHAN NWANERI (Martinelli, 85) – N/A
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