Liverpool face new transfer reality as Virgil van Dijk sends clear Arsenal message

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Virgil van Dijk heads the ball clear during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park on August 25 2025(Image: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

At first glance, Liverpool could hardly have asked for a better start to the defence of their Premier League title.

And those who watched the dramatic victories over Bournemouth and Newcastle United will be aware there remain more than a few teething troubles for Arne Slot's new-look side.

While Federico Chiesa and, most notably on Monday at St James' Park, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha made an almost instant game-changing contribution as substitutes, that both were scoring the first Premier League goals in the process underlined that, while at very different stages in their careers, the duo haven't been regular contributors under Slot.



READ MORE:Arne Slot faces major Milos Kerkez decision as Liverpool consider new-look midfieldREAD MORE:Alexander Isak transfer latest as Newcastle United attempt fails with Liverpool waiting

And that Liverpool threw away two-goal leads in both Premier League games, and shipped another two goals in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, highlights problems in the backline and the collective approach defensively.

Of course, winning when not playing well - particularly at a teeming Newcastle - is the sign of every champion side.

"We have to get back into it a little bit.

"I won't say the performance was bad because we played against a team that was very intense from the start until the end, and it is a difficult place to come.

"At this stage of the season, especially at the start, it is all about the points."

If counter-attacks were Liverpool's chief problem against Palace and Bournemouth, at Newcastle it was set-pieces.

He lasted until the 79th minute at Newcastle, and the lack of presence up top after his removal suggests Liverpool, who retain an interest in Alexander Isak, require a further number nine option before next Monday evening's transfer deadline.

One club who finally addressed their own shortcoming in that area this summer is Arsenal, who as part of an astonishing summer net spend in excess of £250million recruited Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon for £55m.

Gyokeres scored twice as the Gunners romped to a 5-0 home win over promoted Leeds United at the weekend and, as early leaders, are now favourites to win the Premier League as they head to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

But Van Dijk takes a different viewpoint when asked if Arsenal are Liverpool's main challengers.

There is no point.

"The Premier League has no easy games so it doesn't really matter who you are going to face - it is always going to be difficult, especially when we're at the stage we're at right now where the transfer window is still open.

"Things could still happen in and out and, after the international break, we have the team to go forward."

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Of the Arsenal clash, Van Dijk adds: "I'm really looking forward to it.

We're playing a fantastic team with a great manager, that has been challenging for the Premier League for many years now as well.

"The games we played against each other are very intense as well.