Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk delivered a colossal performance despite penalty shouts from Crystal Palace fans at Selhurst Park Stadium. Liverpool beat their bogey team 0-1 away in the Premier League game to maintain the top position in the table.
The Reds have now won nine out of their 10 games in all competitions under new head coach Arne Slot. Van Dijk has continued to play a crucial role for Liverpool despite the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
The 33-year-old is playing in the last season of his contract as the negotiation for a potential extension remains private. Nevertheless, Van Dijk has maintained a formidable partnership with Ibrahima Konate this season, conceding only four goals from 10 games.
The Dutch captain faced a tense moment in the 71st minute against Palace during a set-piece situation for the hosts. As the players from both teams tussled Van Dijk slightly grabbed Marc Guehi when the ball crossed them both horizontally.
The Palace bench including their boss Oliver Glasner reacted furiously to the situation but VAR rightfully rejected the penalty call. The Premier League Match Centre account uses their official X account to clarify the VAR decision immediately during the game. They wrote:
“The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge by van Dijk on Guéhi is checked and confirmed by VAR – deeming that the challenge was not sustained holding and had no impact on the play.”
Slot addressed the incident in his post-match interview with TNT Sports (via BBC), claiming that VAR got the decision right. He said:
“The ball is going to the goalkeeper. If he [referee] had given this one then VAR wouldn’t have changed it. It is not a penalty for me as he [Guehi] wouldn’t ever get the ball.”
Liverpool are heading into the October international break in a healthy position but they need to stay vigilant. The Reds fell prey to complacency right after the September international break which ruined their rhythm after a great start.
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They cannot allow a repeat of Nottingham Forest’s result as they face Chelsea right after the October international break. Van Dijk has a key role to play as a leader and the best centre-back at the club to maintain the team’s consistency.
