Virgil Van Dijk has said that his 70-game unbeaten streak for Liverpool at Anfield was ‘not bad’, after Leeds United put an end to it last week.
Responding to a post from Liverpool FC on Twitter commemorating Van Dijk’s Anfield record, the Dutchman was philosophical in his reply.
“That’s not bad, I guess,” wrote the centre-back, along with a handshake emoji.
It was bound to end at some point. The frustration from Van Dijk and the rest of the Liverpool players will be the circumstances surrounding the loss.
Had it been to Manchester City a couple of weeks earlier, it would have been understandable. But to concede a last-minute winner to a side in the relegation zone is a tough one to take. Ah well, we go again.
Anfield invincibility over for Van Dijk
Amid the wreckage of this pretty dreadful season so far, Liverpool’s home record was something to cling onto.
Now that it’s gone, perhaps the Reds can get back to focusing on the basics when playing in-front of their own fans.
Of course, Anfield can be a brilliant help when things are going well, and even when they’re not. But it might be the case that the Liverpool players became a little complacent when playing on their own turf.
For the fans, too, they could have been forgiven for merely turning up expecting to be entertained. This can lead to some drab atmospheres which can sap energy and momentum from the team.
Now, without the invincibility of their home stadium to count on, Liverpool know they have to go out and win the game. Simply turning up isn’t enough.
It also must be said that after Leeds showed the rest of the world that the Reds are beatable at Anfield, others will travel to the ground with more belief.
Liverpool must be ready for that. For Van Dijk and his teammates, it was hopefully the final wake-up call they needed to start putting a disastrous campaign right.
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