Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk don beg fans and teammates make dem no panic after Reds 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace for Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Na Eddie Nketiah 97th-minute strike spoil Liverpool unbeaten run this season, but dem still dey top Premier League table with two points clear of Arsenal wey beat Newcastle United 2-1 on Sunday.
After match, Van Dijk yarn reporters:
“The biggest challenge now is to stay calm. I don always talk am – never too high, never too low. We dey disappointed with the loss, but even more with the way we take play. If na draw sef, e for don flatter us. No need to panic, but we must improve sharp-sharp.”
Premier League title race: Arsenal dey press Liverpool
Liverpool still dey top, but Arsenal don cut gap to just two points. Palace nearly punish Reds more, if no be Alisson wey make plenty saves first half.
Some key numbers:
- Liverpool don concede 2 goals in 4 out of 8 league matches this season.
- Only 2 clean sheets for Reds, compared to Arsenal wey get 5.
- Gunners defensive record na best for league last season, and with Eberechi Eze + Viktor Gyokeres join attack, dem dey look more balanced.
Slot still get firepower up front – Isak never even fully settle yet – but defence dey drag behind.
How Slot fit fix Liverpool defence?
Van Dijk still dey solid, but his partner Konaté dey struggle for consistency. Possible fixes:
- Bring Joe Gomez enter XI make Konaté rest.
- Midfield protection need upgrade: Mac Allister never hit form after injury, leaving back four exposed.
- Curtis Jones fit partner Ryan Gravenberch in double pivot, while Szoboszlai shift back into midfield from right side.
The bigger picture
Liverpool still hold top spot, but if defensive shakings continue, Arsenal fit overtake them sharp-sharp. For Van Dijk, the “biggest challenge” na to keep calm – but for Arne Slot, the real challenge na how to patch defence before title slip from hand.
