**Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was quick to praise the performances of Liverpool defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate following the 0-0 draw between the two teams on Thursday night.**
Asked why the Gunners found it difficult to carve out openings against the Reds, Arteta responded by singling out the centre-back pairing:
“You play against two world-class centre-backs. They know very well how to stop you, and that’s why they are champions.”
Both van Dijk and Konate were extremely resilient at the Emirates, winning their ground duels and getting the better of the aerial battle as well.
Van Dijk led by example
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Liverpool were on the ropes for the first 20 minutes or so, but the captain managed to push the defensive line higher up as the first half went on to relieve the pressure.
Van Dijk was seen gesticulating to his teammates to push up the pitch, and it seemed to work as the Reds stemmed the tide and did not give away any clear-cut chances.
Remarkably, Arsenal did not even have a shot in the second 45 minutes before injury time, which is unprecedented, and it does demonstrate the excellent organisation of [**Arne Slot**](https://walkon.com/blog/liverpool-injury-news-hugo-ekitike/)‘s side.
Konate deserves praise after a difficult season
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While van Dijk’s form has been erratic, his centre-back partner has had an even tougher time of it. Konate has been making mistakes left, right and centre.
Some have suggested that contract negotiations have affected the France international mentally, but his concentration was outstanding at the Emirates.
Of course, Konate needs to show that this isn’t a one-off, and he has to put a run of performances together without errors. If he can do that, it would certainly aid Liverpool’s chances of sealing Champions League qualification this season.
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