Manager Virgil van Dijk has called on Liverpool to prepare for a “big battle” as they face Premier League leaders Arsenal this Thursday. The Reds captain believes high-stakes matches like this should reinvigorate his side as they aim to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games this week.
On Sunday, Fulham’s Harrison Reid scored a stunning last-minute goal to secure a 2-2 result at Craven Cottage, pushing the Reds into a second successive draw in 2026. This came just after Kodi Gakpo’s stoppage time goal seemed to seal victory for the visitors.
Next up for the reigning champions are Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who currently lead the title race. They are six points behind second-placed Manchester City and an astonishing 14 points clear of Arne Slott’s side, who are three points ahead of top-four Chelsea.
Reds leader Van Dijk insists his side should approach their next fixture at the Emirates with a positive mindset, urging his team-mates to prepare for the impending challenge.
“We will first recover from this situation, but from Tuesday we will definitely see how strong they are. They have a great squad with players on the pitch and players off the bench,” said Van Dijk.
“Listen, I think we all know that at home they are unbeaten in all competitions this season, so this is a great challenge and we need to be ready for a big battle.
“I’m really looking forward to it and I think everyone should. That’s the only way to try to get a result over there. In my opinion, there’s no reason not to look forward to it. We’ll have another chance, but first we’ll recover and then focus on that.”
Liverpool are currently three points ahead of coachless Chelsea, who moved into fifth place after Sunday’s draw. Enzo Fernandes’ late goal secured a point against Manchester City.
Van Dijk believes the result at Fulham shows the Premier League is becoming more competitive.
“It was a good second half,” added Van Dijk. “Especially in the second half, we did everything we could to win the game.
“Obviously it was difficult and it will always be difficult. The games we’ve played here have always been difficult. But I’m a little disappointed that we conceded a goal to a world player at the end. That’s the reality.”
“Is this the quality of the Premier League? I agree with that. Others may say otherwise, but every game is very difficult. I think we have already made it very difficult for a lot of teams this season and I didn’t expect anything else today.”
“In the second half we did well. We got it back. We had more urgency towards the opponent’s box and we conceded in the last second. It’s a shame.”
“It’s very difficult to analyze things. We mainly see the negatives and it’s hard to see the positives. We obviously have to look at the positives and take them into the next challenge that awaits us. That’s the way it is.”
“If you look at the team, Kodi (Gakpo) has to do his job as a striker and we played with five midfielders behind him. So, that’s the reality too, but we still keep fighting and we keep going and we’re going to Arsenal.”
