Virgil van Dijk sent brutal two-word dig to Everton after chaotic end to Liverpool game
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesVirgil Van DijkTempers frayed at the end of the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, and Virgil van Dijk ensured there will be some fire heading into the first meeting between Everton and Liverpool at the Toffees' new homeVirgil van Dijk sent a brutal dig to Everton after the final derby at Goodison Park(Image: Getty Images)It didn’t matter all that much in the end, but it was clear that last year’s final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park stung for Liverpool.The most chaotic of ends was befitting of the final meeting at Everton’s old ground, with all hell breaking loose after James Tarkowski’s dramatic equalizer in stoppage time.Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff were both sent off after the final whistle, with the former having suggested referee Michael Oliver would be to blame if his side missed out on the Premier League title. Meanwhile, Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were given their marching orders, with the Liverpool midfielder having been left incensed as his counterpart goaded the traveling supporters.READ MORE: How Liverpool could line up next season with 3 transfers to transform Arne Slot's sideREAD MORE: Liverpool sent clear message on Arne Slot future as Jurgen Klopp claim madeIn the end, it wouldn’t have any bearing on Liverpool’s fate that season.
The Reds won the league at a canter, and the bragging rights that would have come with winning the final derby at Goodison were quickly forgotten about on one half of the city at least.Still, the drama of that February night does set things up nicely for the first ever meeting between the two sides at Everton’s new home - the Hill Dickinson Stadium. In particular, Virgil van Dijk’s comments after that game likely won’t have been forgotten by Sunday’s hosts.Clearly still frustrated by the way in which his side had been denied all three points, and the chance to celebrate going a step closer to the title on their neighbor’s turf, the Liverpool captain took aim with a brutal dig at the Toffees.Virgil van Dijk and James Tarkowski speak to Premier League referee Michael Oliver(Image: Getty Images)"We all know this is their cup final,” Van Dijk said after the game.
It is a big boost for them but a blow for us."Referring to the derby as Everton’s ‘cup final’ is a dig that has come to represent Liverpool’s superiority over their neighbor, especially during the Premier League era - and it’s one that supporters on the blue side of the city would no doubt like to shake off.Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreFrom $100LFC.comSee the dealLiverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.There is of course still the possibility that Everton could disrupt the status quo this season and finish above Liverpool, with a spot in the Champions League still in sight for David Moyes’ side.With the gap standing at five points with six games to go, it is looking a little unlikely now that the Toffees will overhaul the Reds, although a win on Sunday would make things very nervy for Liverpool.The home supporters no doubt won’t have forgotten Van Dijk’s comments.