Liverpool produced a resounding performance against Arsenal, registering a 4-0 victory over the Gunners.
The front three of Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah were all on the scoresheet as the Reds were at their imperious best going forward.
While a lot of the plaudits for the victory went to the attackers, Virgil van Dijk’s resolute defending did not go unnoticed.
Donning the captain’s armband in the absence of Jordan Henderson from the starting lineup, the Dutch international led from the back by making sure his team stayed organized and well protected.
A look at some stats goes on to show just how dominant the Liverpool defence were as Arsenal could only manage an XG (expected goals) of 0.3 compared to the Reds’ 4.3 throughout the game.
xG map for Liverpool – Arsenal
— Caley Graphics (@Caley_graphics) November 20, 2021
oh. oh dear. oh my. pic.twitter.com/RavgFzsY9n
A brilliant moment in the 65th-minute perfectly demonstrated Van Dijk’s calmness under pressure as he executed a no-look pass from inside his own box while being pressed by an Arsenal player.
Borrowing his teammate Roberto Firmino’s signature skill and providing a convincing rendition of it, one even the Brazillian would be proud of.
Liverpool fans on Reddit did not let the moment go unnoticed as they were in awe of the Dutchman’s calmness under pressure.
