LIVERPOOL DEFENDER VIRGIL van Dijk admitted his relief after his error saw Fulham equalise in Liverpool’s eventual win on Sunday.
Following a scuffed clearance from James Milner, Van Dijk attempted to head the ball back to goalkeeper Alisson but left it short – allowing Ryan Babel to slot it past the Brazil international.
That had cancelled out Sadio Mane’s opening goal, but Milner scored an 81st-minute penalty to give Liverpool a 2-1 victory.
It was a rare mistake by Van Dijk, who has played a pivotal part in making the Reds’ defence the best in the Premier League this term.
Speaking to Sky Sports , Van Dijk said: “We won the game. Mistakes happen in football and, obviously, a couple of things happen but it is what it is and we go again.
“I’m not giving excuses. I should have handled it better. It is what it is, they scored but we scored again so we won and we have the three points and we go home top of the league and we’re happy.”
The win pushed Liverpool two points ahead of Manchester City, who now have a game in hand after playing an FA Cup quarter-final tie this weekend, at the top of the Premier League.
“We knew it was going to be a very tough game, especially second half,” Van Dijk continued. “We made it very difficult for ourselves.
“We weren’t calm enough on the ball, we didn’t create too many options for each other.
“Obviously with my mistake it makes it even more exciting for them. But we have the three points and now we can focus on the national team.”
Van Dijk’s blushes were partially saved by 72nd-minute substitute Milner, who stopped Liverpool slipping up with his late penalty.
Milner said after the game: “It was me who put him [Van Dijk] in the mire to be fair. The gaffer said to come on and calm it down so the best thing to do is to slice it over the top and put Virgil under pressure.
“But luckily enough we got the result and did what we needed to do. What has gone before I feel is probably my fault. The goal is important and I put it away.
“But years of practice goes into penalties and in the game you’ve just got to go back to what you’ve been practicing and be calm and know what you’re going to do.”
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When will this blatant poor refereeing end.
@Barry Kelleher: never. Ref mistakes are part and parcel of the game. Even VAR won’t eliminate mistakes
@IrishSportives.ie: Things that are up to interpretation will probably never be fully corrected but both of these decisions would have been overturned.
@IrishSportives.ie: Decision wasn’t even a close one as he was clearly off
@Barry Kelleher: where was Var?
Every game for about three months now Man City have gotten decisions in their favour. Bad ones too, going right back to Kompany cleaning out Salah as the last man but getting a yellow… Offsides, penalties. It’s remarkable.
@James Doyle: poor James
@David Weston: you get me wrong, man. I’m delighted City have another game in April.
Just pointing out the reality of this incredible lucky streak they’re on with refs, and keeping in mind the old maxim “it all evens out over a season”.
There’s some evening out to be had, in that case. And that will be fun.
Offside winner and the penalty was never a foul. VAR can’t come soon enough.
The more games they play the better for Liverpool
@Willy Motley: go on….
Was a great tackle to win the ball for pen. How could they not see change in flight. Var should be in every stadium
@Yorkie1892: it is in Swanseas stadium but can’t be used as there not in the top division of the game was at the eitihad car would have been used
@Colm Connolly: Ridiculous though, they had VAR there last season but they went down a division so the FA won’t have it implemented there.
It’s a shame such a prestigious cup is rigged
It was a valiant effort overshadowed by poor refereeing. Bercant Celina has been electric all season. Come you Jacks.
@Succulent Goujons: and Danny James tearing Otamendi and Laporte new ones. Shame they aren’t that motivated more often!
Selective VAR introduction making a mockery of the FA Cup yet again..