Virgil Van Dijk admitted confidence is “creeping away” as Liverpool suffered another defeat in a 3-2 loss to Arsenal.
Liverpool’s disappointing start to the season continued as they now only have two wins in their opening eight Premier League games.
Poor defending and slow starts to games has been a theme so far this season for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and it was no different today as they found themselves 1-0 down after one minute.
Players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk have been criticised for their defensive errors, especially when they have been solid in previous seasons.
It’s a big change for Liverpool under Klopp, who have been Manchester City’s closest challengers over the past four seasons, but look a shadow of themselves, already 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
READ HERE: Jurgen Klopp Lands Sneaky Dig At Arsenal
Speaking to Sky Sports after today’s defeat Van Dijk admitted that their poor form is influencing their confidence, particularly their defensive issues.
"If you're not winning regularly what we are used to, confidence is creeping away"
Virgil Van Dijk says it's a 'tough' loss to take at the Emirates 🔊 pic.twitter.com/QGlYuDIGdd— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 9, 2022
“We do everything in our power not to concede because no one wants to concede, and unfortunately, we have already conceded too many in my opinion and that has multiple reasons for it.
We work on it each and every day behind the scenes that no one see’s.
We are all human beings and sometimes you need a bit confidence in certain moments. If your confidence isn’t high it doesn’t help you in certain situations.
If you’re not winning regularly what we are used to, confidence is creeping away.”
Liverpool’s slow start to games this season continued as they found themselves 1-0 down after just 58 seconds, with Gabriel Martinelli giving Arsenal the perfect start.
ARSENAL AHEAD INSIDE A MINUTE! 🤯⚡
Gabriel Martinelli has the Emirates rocking! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/1LGeCM9T8Z— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 9, 2022
Liverpool slowly worked their way back into the game and were level through Darwin Nunez, his second league goal of the season.
Just as Liverpool were beginning to take control of the game, Bukayo Saka finished off a swift counter attack from Arsenal to give them the half time lead.
SAKA PUTS ARSENAL BACK IN FRONT 🔴
What a counter-attack! ⚡⚡ pic.twitter.com/In35yzcZh2— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 9, 2022
Liverpool would come back once again, with Roberto Firmino continuing his good run of form with an excellent finish to draw Liverpool level for the second time.
With the sides level with 15 minutes remaining Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Gabriel Jesus was fouled by Thiago, with Saka making no mistake from the sport to give Arsenal the three points.
SEE ALSO: Saka Banishes Euro Demons With Winning Penalty As Arsenal Down Liverpool
