Van Dijk calls Liverpool v Arsenal 'always special'

Virgil van Dijk has described Liverpool's Premier League meeting with Arsenal on Sunday as a special occasion, saying “What a fixture” in his matchday programme notes. The Reds host the reigning champions at Anfield to conclude a run of four consecutive home matches.

“It is rare to have four successive games at home, but what a fixture we have to round off that series,” the captain writes.

“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.”

Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League table with 15 points from eight matches. Earlier in the week, they progressed in the Carabao Cup, beating Chelsea on penalties after a tough game.

Van Dijk said the side must be close to its best to take all three points: “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.”

He stressed that the challenge starts with attitude and work ethic: “You don’t get easy, comfortable afternoons in the Premier League, and you certainly don’t get them against Arsenal.”