Virgil van Dijk’s incredible block on Jarrod Bowen has gone virtually unnoticed due to the nature of Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to West Ham.
Mistakes from Alisson and a spineless midfield display saw the Hammers race into a 3-1 lead. A late Divock Origi strike could have helped the Reds seal a draw but Sadio Mane fluffed his lines in stoppage time.
Virgil van Dijk came out of the game with some credit and will be upset that his block on Bowen has gone unnoticed, although I’m sure he is more upset about Liverpool missing out on the opportunity to go one point behind Chelsea.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was largely fantastic against David Moyes’ side, was caught out by a fantastic pass over his head to Said Benrahma. His pass found Jarrod Bowen but van Dijk smothered the Englishman and blocked his shot on goal.
Liverpool need to regroup over the international break, as they essentially cannot afford to drop points between now and Christmas. Otherwise they run the risk of falling out of the Premier League title race and into a battle for the top four.
A clash with Arsenal, a side now sitting just two points behind the Reds, awaits Jurgen Klopp and his men after the international break and it is the perfect chance to bounce back from defeat at the London Stadium.
The Gunners will visit Anfield and Klopp will need the supporters to be at their loudest to help Liverpool win, while Thiago returning to the side will also help.
League leaders Chelsea face Leicester and Wolves host West Ham before Manchester City play Everton. So there is a chance the stars align for Liverpool to pick up points while their rivals drop some.