'This is their Cup Final..' Virgil Van Dijk cheap shots Everton in post-match interview

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk cheap shotted their arch-rivals following his team's 2-2 draw with Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday, February 12. He noted that Everton seems to treat the Merseyside derby as the final frontier, likening it to a cup final. The two teams were originally set to face each other last December during matchday 15, but the match had to be postponed due to adverse weather conditions that affected the English football schedule.

The tale of a violent Merseyside Derby 

Everton surged ahead with a goal from Beto in the 11th minute. However, just five minutes later, Alexis Mac Allister equalised Liverpool with a solid header from a precise cross by Mohammed Salah.

Mo Salah then put Liverpool in the lead, slotting the ball home from close range in the 73rd minute after capitalising on a rebound. Just when Arne Slot's side appeared poised to secure a full three points at Goodison Park, James Tarkowski struck back with a dramatic equaliser in injury time, levelling the match at 2-2.

Following the final whistle, a huge altercation broke out, resulting in referee Michael Oliver issuing red cards to Abdoulaye Doucoure, Curtis Jones, and Arne Slot.

Virgil Van Dijk cheap shots Everton 

In the aftermath of the match, van Dijk conveyed to TNT the challenges faced during the game. He expressed his disappointment at conceding a late goal, which ultimately cost his side the chance to secure maximum points.

“Intense. It was always going to be intense. A lot of battles. It was very disappointing to lose it in the last second or over extra time. It is not easy to accept it, especially in the manner in which Van Dijk said

“We all know this is their cup final. They will make it as difficult as possible for us,” he added. 

Despite only salvaging a draw, Liverpool still sits at the top of the Premier League standings with 57 points, having a 7-point advantage over the Gunners, who hold the second place.