Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reassures that the attacking department is hungry for goals despite criticism for wastefulness
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk stands behind the attacking department despite criticism for wastefulness, highlighting their hunger for goals. The Reds secured a 2-0 victory in the Premier League Boxing Day game against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League table though title contender Arsenal have a game in hand. The Reds dominated the Clarets on their home turf by keeping 69% possession with 19 shots and 10 on target.
Referees and VAR officials controversially ruled out two goals for Liverpool during the game, adding to the team’s frustration with decision-making. Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliot scored those goals but referee Paul Tierney and VAR official Simon Hooper ruled them out.
During the build-up of Gakpo’s goal, Tierney deemed that Darwin Nunez fouled Charlie Taylor despite the replay showing otherwise. Darwin never touched Taylor but VAR official Hooper decided to stick with the on-field decision, baffling everyone.
During the 55th minute, Elliot scored a goal with a clinical finish but VAR penalised Mohamed Salah for offside. Burnley defender Jordan Beyer pushed Salah into the offside position when Elliot took his shot to beat the goalkeeper.
The shocking decisions just add to the series of poor refereeing decisions that have gone against Liverpool this season. Thankfully, Diogo Jota returned from his injury lay-off to showcase his clinical abilities and wrapped up the game for Liverpool.
Speaking to Amazon Prime (h/t Liverpool Echo) after the game, Van Dijk defended the finishing ability of the attackers. He said:
“Well, obviously, as a striker if you don’t score for a little bit it could get in your head but I don’t really see that with the guys. You see how Cody plays, for example, in the first half, outstanding. Diogo comes in and makes another goal, it’s really good to see and we have to keep pushing each other in order to stay hungry. We have the hunger in the team so let’s give it [our] all”
Nunez received heavy criticism for his goal drought, missing too many big chances in the past month. However, the Uruguayan scored a spectacular goal against Burnley in the sixth minute of the game.
Despite Nunez deserving criticism for his lack of composure in finishing easy chances, it’s undeniable that his work ethic and contribution remain unmatched. Delighted with Jota’s return, the Kopites celebrate as the Portuguese forward stands out as the team’s best finisher.
The only troubling matter is the form of Luis Diaz, struggling since returning from the last season’s knee injury. The Colombian has been through a lot in his personal life with his parents’ kidnapping saga.
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In January, Salah will depart for the AFCON competition to captain his national side, leaving a big hole in Liverpool’s attack. The attacking department needs to make sure that everyone pitches in with goals and assists to compensate for his absence.
