Van Dijk Praises Arsenal’s Defensive Record After Liverpool Beat Real Madrid

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has praised Arsenal’s defensive consistency, calling it a model for success after Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid.

Both English clubs secured midweek wins, with Arsenal cruising to a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague and Liverpool edging Real Madrid through an Alexis Mac Allister header.

Arsenal’s Defensive Form Sets the Standard

Mikel Arteta’s side recorded their eighth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions, while Liverpool registered back-to-back shutouts.

Arsenal’s win maintains their seven-point lead over Liverpool in the Premier League, with a six-point cushion over Manchester City.

Speaking after the Real Madrid game, Van Dijk told Amazon Prime Sport, “That is the basis of success at the moment. I think that you can see that Arsenal are flying and that is down to clean sheets and not conceding chances.”

Liverpool Aiming for Consistency Ahead of City Clash

The Dutch defender emphasized that Liverpool are striving to replicate Arsenal’s defensive discipline.

“I think that’s what we had as well and now what we are trying to do consistently – start with defending,” Van Dijk said.

“We have the quality to hurt anyone in possession and on the break. But it starts with defending and today showed our hard work.”

Liverpool have shown steady improvement under manager Arne Slot, who has emphasized structure and discipline since his arrival.

Focus Shifts Back to Premier League Action

Van Dijk acknowledged that Liverpool still need to maintain consistency ahead of their upcoming Premier League match against Manchester City.

“Sunday [vs Manchester City] is going to be another difficult one and so we have to be ready for that as well,” he added.

Arsenal will travel to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, while Liverpool’s meeting with Manchester City at the Etihad is expected to be one of the season’s defining fixtures before the international break.