Virgil van Dijk shares delight as Federico Chiesa response to Alexander Isak injury speaks volumes
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A look at some of the moments missed from Liverpool's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on SaturdayLiverpool moved up to fifth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over a Tottenham Hotspur side who finished the game with nine men on Saturday evening.After Xavi Simons had been sent off for a rake down the Achilles of Virgil van Dijk after around half an hour, Alexander Isak struck the opener before Hugo Ekitike doubled the advantage in the second period.Richarlison reduced the deficit before Cristian Romero was also given his marching orders for kicking out on Ibrahima Konate and the Reds held on to secure a sixth game without defeat.READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk makes Liverpool point after Tottenham victory and details Xavi Simons talksREAD MORE: 'Close to crisis' - National media give verdict on Liverpool's victory at Tottenham HotspurBut you knew all of that, of course. To my Spurs teammates, my manager and the fans, I take responsibility, I'm really sorry."Van Dijk made a quick beeline for Simon after the yellow card was upgraded to red and exchanged a word with his younger Oranje colleague before stopping short of explaining the nature of their chat after the game."I don't think there was any intention to hurt me but obviously he hurt me and then the referee and the VAR made the decision to send him off," Van Dijk said.
It's a chat that no-one needs to know."Merry Christmas, EvertonIt's that time of year where Liverpool fans like to remind their city rivals of some famous December derbies and while Everton might have been gearing up for their own clash with a side from North London over 200 miles away on Merseyside, Reds supporters indulged themselves in the capital."Merry Christmas, Everton" sang the away end in reference to a handful of victories over the Blues around Christmas time in recent years.From the Sadio Mane winner at Goodison Park, nine years ago this week, to the Divock Origi header that won it at Anfield in 2018 and even the 4-1 shellacking of a Rafa Benitez Everton in 2021, Liverpool fans love reminding all about their festive memories over their local enemies.Spurs fans in the home ends were likely confused as to why Everton were the object of the ribbing, but Liverpool fans made their own fun in the capital either way before kick-off.An evening of cheerWith no game now until after Christmas, the Liverpool squad spent Saturday evening at a plush, unnamed venue, enjoying something of a makeshift festive celebration.Captain Virgil van Dijk was understandably coy when quizzed on the details but the players got together for a meal in the capital after being granted some time off before they reconvene to begin their preparations for the visit from Wolves on December 27."We actually have Christmas Day off which is very nice of the staff," Van Dijk said. I think [it's the first time I've had Christmas off as a Liverpool player].
It's special to be off on Christmas Day. I don't think it's happened in my Premier League career so far.