Few forwards have the ability to unsettle Virgil van Dijk, but Erling Haaland achieved just that in 2019. On Sunday, the Norwegian sensation scored again as Manchester City secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Liverpool. Haaland failed to convert an early penalty, but recovered midway through the first half and unwittingly headed home the opening goal to give City the lead against the Etihad. Van Dijk believed he had equalized shortly after with a powerful header, but his attempt was controversially ruled offside after Andy Robertson was adjudged to have interfered with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City made the most of their advantage by doubling their advantage just before half-time. Nico Gonzalez’s long-range shot was brutally deflected by Van Dijk’s weak outstretched legs and past a misfooted Giorgi Mamadashvili. After the interval, Jeremy Doku, who had been mesmerizing all night, capped off a fantastic performance with a stunning goal from outside the box, slotting the ball into the net as City secured their first win against Liverpool since the 2022/23 season.
While the Belgian was undoubtedly an outstanding performance, Haaland was a threat in his own right and tormented Liverpool’s defenders throughout the match – and not for the first time. Back in October 2019, the forward, who was then leading Red Bull Salzburg’s attack, burst onto the scene, coming off the bench to score in a thrilling 4-3 defeat to the then European champions at Anfield.
Just a few weeks ago, Haaland declared himself in the Champions League with a stunning hat-trick against Genk, but it was his brief appearance on Merseyside that really grabbed attention – and some reports say it left Van Dijk furious.
After the final whistle, former Norway international Jan Age Fjortoft cut off the interview after suggesting that Van Dijk was furious and had refused to answer questions about Haaland, perhaps to avoid talking about his own mistakes towards the teenager.
“The first time I saw him (Haaland) live was when he came on at Anfield and I was amazed at how much space this young player was able to create,” Fjortoft said on the Blood Red podcast in 2020. “He scored one goal, but he could have scored three or four. He was unbelievable. I was amazed at how he created space and that’s how I define his running as smart and experienced.”
“After the game I interviewed Van Dijk, who I always like to interview because he’s a gentleman, and I said, ‘I want to ask you something about the Norwegian Erling Hallaand.’ And he just said, ‘Well, we won the game.’ So I said, “Yes, but what do you think about him?” “I didn’t see much of him,” said Van Dijk, who was a bit angry after making some mistakes.
“And I said, ‘When a defender says he couldn’t see himself, that’s a good sign for a striker!'” – And off he went, Van Dijk. ”
Two months later, Haaland turned down Manchester United and joined Borussia Dortmund. He scored 86 goals in 89 games in Germany, a record that has left Liverpool in trouble, with him moving to Manchester City in 2022.
Sunday’s goal was his fourth in nine games against the Reds, and given Van Dijk’s pre-match comments, the Dutchman may have been anticipating what was to come. “We are playing against a very well-formed team and a very well-formed striker as well. We have to react correctly (to him),” said the centre-back.
Despite their rivalry on the pitch, there is clear mutual respect between the two. Coach Haaland praised Van Dijk before the match, calling him a “great player”.
In an interview with Stan Sports Football, the Norwegian said: “Of course it’s fun[to play against Liverpool]. I’m playing football, I’m doing what I love and of course it’s fun.” “He (Van Dijk) is a great player and Liverpool are a great team, so like I said, we need to be ready.”
Sunday’s result leaves City second in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal. Meanwhile, Liverpool suffered their fifth loss in six league games, dropping to eighth place.
