Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Darwin Nunez celebrates scoring with Virgil van Dijk during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC at Leipzig Stadium on October 23, 2024(Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has challenged Darwin Nunez to pick himself up after a turbulent few days at Anfield, insisting: "We're all in this together".

The Reds striker was guilty of missing a huge opportunity with the scores level in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa when he side-footed Dominik Szoboszlai's pass across goal over the bar six yards.

Arne Slot admitted in his Thursday press conference that he was unhappy with how the No.9 reacted to that glaring miss and questioned the work-rate levels that the Reds boss felt noticeably dipped after the chance had gone.

Nunez posted on social media shortly after Slot's media dealings with a defiant refusal to throw in the towel at Anfield and club skipper Van Dijk refused to point a finger at his team-mate for the failure to convert what was a massive opportunity in the second half at Villa Park as the Reds aimed to go 10 points clear of Arsenal in second.

READ MORE:Arne Slot explains Liverpool challenge as summer transfer plan becomes clear - 'now we have an idea'READ MORE:Liverpool face PSG showdown as Champions League draw confirms route to final

"I think there's no point talking about the individual," Van Dijk said.

Obviously he had an opportunity, unfortunately he missed it and it's on to the next and that's part of football.

"Like I said, the main thing is we're all in this together and that should be the message to everyone connected to Liverpool otherwise there's no point in being there.

"Listen, I think we had opportunities to take all three points there.

One header to the left and another header, then another header and obviously that's very disappointing.

"Obviously 2-1 down and then coming back and obviously having the chances obviously to score the second, third, maybe even the fourth.

But we had the opportunity to finish off ourselves and that's something we have to try and do better, I think."

The Reds might find their lead cut down to five points when they travel to Manchester City on Sunday with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal hosting West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

Article continues below

Van Dijk added: "Every game in the Premier League is hard work and we know that.

We all have a big dream in the Premier League and I know that our Liverpool fans are the same but we need to win this together."


For more news relating to Manchester City, visit our sister site City Latest Live.