Virgil van Dijk believes Leicester City deserved to beat Liverpool on Tuesday as the Anfield natives were not good enough to win at the King Power Stadium, via quotes by BBC Sport.
The Foxes edged a 1-0 win over the Reds in their festive fixture after a second-half hit from Ademola Lookman. The former Everton ace collected possession from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with only his fourth touch since entering the action before rifling a shot past Alisson.
Liverpool had enjoyed several chances of their own to break the deadlock before Lookman fired home in the 59th-minute. The Merseysiders also applied bounds of pressure in search of a late equaliser, but could not find a reply to fall to six-points behind Manchester City.
Van Dijk offers honest verdict on Liverpool losing to Leicester
Liverpool have been relentless in front of the goal so far this term, with Jurgen Klopp’s side scoring 50 times. Only leaders Man City have scored as many over the 19 games played to date, ahead of Chelsea (42). West Ham rank fourth for goals with 34, ahead of Arsenal (32).
The Anfield natives had also not failed to score at least once in their prior 18 fixtures before facing Leicester. But firing blanks at the King Power meant the Reds suffered a second loss.
Van Dijk admits Leicester deserved to beat Liverpool, as well, given the Reds’ poor display – particularly in the final-third. But the Dutchman is confident they can learn some lessons.
“I think they deserved the win, but that was obviously also down to us,” Van Dijk said. “I think we were poor in the last third. A lot of crosses they defended well.
“Overall, not a good performance. They didn’t create much but looked dangerous on the break which they are good at. Credit to them. We have to look at ourselves and improve, which we will do. It’s part of football.”
Liverpool have enjoyed a solid record away to Leicester since the Foxes’ promotion into the Premier League in 2014. Of their eight visits, the Reds have now lost four to four victories.
But losing at the King Power may leave the Merseysiders nine-points off Man City by the weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side visit Brentford on Wednesday, while Chelsea host Brighton.
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