Liverpool dropped their first home points of the Premier League season as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester United; Liverpool captain felt "only one team tried to win" - a comment that angered Sky Sports' Roy Keane, who felt Van Dijk's words smacked of arrogance
Tuesday 19 December 2023 08:20, UK
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says there was "absolutely no arrogance" in his post-match comments following their goalless draw with Man Utd which drew criticism from Sky Sports' Roy Keane.
In the Super Sunday game at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp's side pushed throughout in a game they were heavily favoured to win but found United in a resolute mood despite posting 34 shots and winning 12 corners. Erik ten Hag's team might even have won it on the counter-attack had Alisson not saved from Rasmus Hojlund in the second half.
When asked for his opinion on the game, Van Dijk said he thought Liverpool did more than enough to win it.
He said: "There was only one team trying to win the game. Unfortunately it didn't happen. We want to win every game, especially a team like them.
"It's frustrating as we were superior in all aspects and they were just hoping on the counter attack to hurt us. In the end they are buzzing with a point and we are disappointed with a point.
"They aren't in the best phase so coming here you have to worry about the threat we have. But we should have won today. There are big games coming up and we won't dwell on it."
Sky Sports' Keane was irked by Van Dijk's comments.
The former Manchester United captain responded: "There's a lot of arrogance coming out of him, dissing Manchester United like that.
"He needs reminding that he is playing for a club that has won one title in 30-odd years.
"Manchester United are in a difficult place, just like Liverpool have been in a difficult place for many years. So maybe that arrogance backfired on him today.
"He needs to remember where he is coming from. One title in 33 years?
"He said Man United were buzzing and one team came to play. Yeah, I've come to Anfield many times with Manchester United where Liverpool were in a tough place and were happy with a draw.
"The bottom line is that the most important stat is the scoreline. Liverpool had chances and didn't take them. That's their own fault."
Van Dijk was later asked about Keane's comments and said: "I like Roy Keane, if he said that then it's fine.
"He is Man Utd throughout and I understand he could react like that but I felt what I said and there is absolutely no arrogance in that.
"Everyone who watched the game probably felt the same. We move on. We had the opportunity and we couldn't score and that's the frustrating part."
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was frustrated his side couldn't find a way through and called the performance their most dominant showing against a Manchester United side, including the 7-0 win last season.
He told Sky Sports: "I saw a lot of good things, the one thing I don't like is the result. We should have scored.
"We were in a rush in moments but I liked a lot the intensity of the game and the start to the game. Everyone saw what we wanted, our counter-pressing was good as a group and we didn't let them out.
"I can't remember such a dominant performance against Man Utd - even the 7-0 they were more in the game. Now it's 0-0 they probably feel slightly better than us. But we take the point and keep going.
"It was the type of game I expected. If we play like this it is difficult for the opposite team to get out of their own half and the way United defended was clean with a lot of passion.
"If you score it changes the dynamic of the game and they open up a bit and take more risk. But nothing changed, they threw everything in and it's a 0-0."
