Virgil van Dijk: What a fixture this is - Liverpool v Arsenal is always special
“What a fixture,” Virgil van Dijk says of Liverpool’s Premier League showdown with Arsenal on Sunday.
A run of four consecutive Anfield outings for the Reds concludes with a visit by the reigning champions.
Andoni Iraola’s team enter the game against the Gunners having been victorious in each of their last five matches across all competitions.
In his matchday programme notes, Van Dijk underscores what will be necessary if they are to enhance that streak to six and details his anticipation for a mouthwatering encounter.
“It is rare to have four successive games at home, but what a fixture we have to round off that series,” writes the captain.
“Games against Arsenal are always special, and Sunday’s will be no different. I know that you guys will be up for it, and we will be too. These are the games everybody wants to be involved in, so let’s give it everything and look to continue our positive run of form.
“It was important that we progressed in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. Chelsea, as we expected, gave us a really tough game, but I thought we stood up to the task as a team really well, and we got our rewards in the penalty shootout.
“Now we have another home draw, and another tough game against Bournemouth ahead of us, but that is for another day. Our focus now turns to the Premier League, to Arsenal, and we have to be ready for the big challenge that they will pose.
“They have shown over a number of seasons what a strong team they are, and if we want to come away with all three points then we will need to be at, or at least very close to, our best.
“That starts, as usual, with our attitude and our work ethic. You don’t get easy, comfortable afternoons in the Premier League, and you certainly don’t get them against Arsenal.
“You have to be switched on from the first second, you have to be prepared to run hard, fight for everything and help your teammates out, with and without the ball, for 90 minutes-plus.
“We have shown in recent weeks that we understand those challenges and that we are able to keep our heads and stick together, even when things don’t go our way in games.
“There will be times, I’m sure, when we have to suffer without the ball, but it is important that we keep our composure and make sure that when we have the ball we show our own quality.
“It is important too that we use the energy that you guys provide to push us forward. When Anfield is at its best, we are at our best, and vice versa.
“Like I say, these are the games we relish, the ones we look forward to as players. Hopefully, we can give you all something big to celebrate.”
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