Virgil van Dijk sends message to Liverpool fans after ‘red card’ controversy
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk took to social media to rally the troops after their frustrating 2-2 Premier League draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday (February 19).
The 33-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Liverpool went eight points clear of Arsenal who are set to face West Ham on Saturday (February 22).
The match was an end-to-end thriller and, for the second consecutive midweek for the visitors, was not without a significant dose of controversy.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett believes Axel Disasi was lucky not to see red after appearing to lash out at Alexis Mac Allister.
Mac Allister wasn’t without blame, however, committing a “clear holding offence” for which Hackett slammed referee Craig Pawson.
Talismanic forward Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 29th minute, capitalising on a defensive mishap to score his 29th goal of the season.
Youri Tielemans restored parity in the 38th minute before Ollie Watkins gave the home side the lead in added time of the first half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the equaliser for Liverpool just after the hour mark, ensuring the spoils were shared between the two sides.
Virgil van Dijk urges Liverpool teammates to ‘keep pushing’ after Aston Villa draw
The centre-back has been key for Arne Slot so far this season, starting all 35 of his games across all competitions, popping up with three goals, and providing one assist in his 3147 minutes of action.
Van Dijk took to Instagram after the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa to rally the troops ahead of the title run-in, saying: “No matter what, we in this together!! Let’s keep pushing.”
Arne Slot’s side will take on current champions Man City on Sunday (February 23) in what is likely to be a crucial game for both clubs.
Liverpool will then face Champions League hopefuls Newcastle in what should be another tricky fixture for the Merseyside club.
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