It was a physical game – Van Dijk takes responsibility after after Arsenal’s win

Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk has reacted to his side’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League.

Van Dijk in a post-match statement said he took responsibility for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal.

The game saw Bukayo Saka lead 1-0, before a clumsy own goal from Gabriel Magalhaes levelled the game.

The second goal for Arsenal came after Van Dijk clashed into goalkeeper Allisson Becker in the second half, leaving Martinelli to roll the ball into an empty net.

Leandro Trossard then scored the third goal for Arsenal from the bench.

Van Dijk, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “A tough day. I think the 2-1 [Martinelli’s goal] I take full responsibility for that.

“That is a big moment in the game. I should have made a better decision – it hurts for me.

“Like I said, that was a big turning point in the game. After the break we were so good and had opportunities and were dominant, the atmosphere started to come nervous.

“The turning point is my responsibility, I should try to clear it.

“Obviously these things don’t happen too often in my career, but I will recover from this.

“It is a physical game and I am not looking for excuses. At the highest level it is a split decision.

“Alisson touched me a little bit and he couldn’t clear it, but I take full responsibility for this and I will try to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”