We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

The National Times - Liverpool's Van Dijk wants Anfield to be 'horrible' during title run-in

Liverpool's Van Dijk wants Anfield to be 'horrible' during title run-in

SPORTS 24.02.2025
Liverpool's Van Dijk wants Anfield to be 'horrible' during title run-in
Liverpool's Van Dijk wants Anfield to be 'horrible' during title run-in / Photo: © AFP/File

Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool's players and fans to make Anfield a "horrible" place for opponents during the Premier League title run-in.

Change text size:

Liverpool are 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the table with 11 games remaining after Sunday's 2-0 win at the home of champions Manchester City.

Arsenal have a game in hand but Arne Slot's men are galloping towards a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title and have seven of their remaining league matches at Anfield.

Liverpool looked nervous during last week's 2-1 home win against Wolves and have also dropped points recently against Everton and Aston Villa.

"I mentioned it after that (Wolves) game, that obviously it's pretty normal, humans, there could be some anxious feelings kicking in," said Liverpool captain Van Dijk.

"And that could still be the case, but I think it only helps us and them as well to make Anfield horrible for the opponent, like most of the time we have been doing that, and obviously the way we play obviously helps with that as well."

He added: "So let's make sure those seven (home games) are going to be amazing, as loud as possible, and I don't think we have to speak about it, because normally that is the case."

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai gave Liverpool their first top-flight victory at the Etihad for nearly 10 years as they capitalised on Arsenal's defeat by West Ham the previous day.

Liverpool fans chanted "We're going to win the league" in the closing stages of the match, looking forward to celebrating just their second English league title since 1990.

"A couple of days ago there was noise also about other things and it could go the other way," said Van Dijk, who is now preparing for Wednesday's home match against Newcastle.

"Obviously, the result on Saturday and the result (at the Etihad) gives them (the fans) the belief.

"It's down to us to just keep focusing on the game ahead of us. That's what we do and that's what I told the boys as well.

"It's all about recovery now and being ready for Newcastle. It will be a big test again and we need our fans to be in great shape."

F.Harris--TNT

Featured

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: