It was a very uncomfortable evening for Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool against Newcastle United, yet they were able to secure all three points.
A 100th minute goal from Rio Ngumoha gave Liverpool a 3-2 win over Newcastle, despite Eddie Howe’s side coming from two goals down to level the game up.
It was a wild night at St James’ Park. The atmosphere was expected to be insane, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The Newcastle United fans aimed to make it as uncomfortable as possible for Liverpool, who played into the Magpies’ hands at times.
That is the view of Van Dijk, who was unhappy with the number of set pieces his side gave away.
Virgil van Dijk speaks to referee Simon Hooper alongside Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton during Liverpool's win over Newcastle United.
Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Virgil van Dijk admits it is ‘difficult’ to play against Newcastle United at St James’ Park
Following Liverpool’s win over Newcastle United, Van Dijk admitted that his side could have handled the atmosphere slightly better.
“Obviously we all know it’s a difficult place to come,” he told Liverpool’s official website.
“I think for us the disappointing part is that we conceded two off set-pieces and that shouldn’t happen. But overall, a great three points, move on and focus on the next one.
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“Obviously free-kicks, corner kicks and then the pressure gets on and they have the quality.
“I think if you look at all the traditional top six here last year I think there is only a couple that actually managed to beat them. It’s always a difficult place to come and it was today the same.
“I think I enjoy this type of atmosphere as well so I was really looking forward to it, but I think we could have made it a little bit easier if you don’t concede those set-pieces. Then you give them the boost, the drive and the feeling with the fans behind them, of course. But we managed to get the three points and we move on.”
Anthony Gordon apologises to Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk was involved in one of the game’s biggest incidents. Anthony Gordon received a red card for a foul on the Dutch defender, clattering into him at a relentless speed just moments before half-time.
It was a ridiculous challenge from the Newcastle United forward, resulting in him receiving the third red card of his Toon career.
While Newcastle played incredibly well with 10 men, who knows what would have happened had Gordon stayed on the pitch.
That will not be lost on the 24-year-old, who apologised to the Newcastle United fans and to Van Dijk after the game.
Gordon wrote on Instagram: “I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates and the fans.
My intentions were pure. I was just trying to create energy in the game and I mistimed the tackle.
“I also want to apologise to Virgil, I would never intend to tackle somebody like this on purpose. We spoke after and he knows that.
“More importantly, I’m so proud of the time I spent on the pitch and how we played tonight. The atmosphere from you all is what makes SJP so special. I love everything we stand for as a club and no more than right now. I’ll be back and better, the same as every other setback I’ve ever faced. See you soon.”
Following his red card, Gordon will now miss Newcastle’s next three games. That is a crushing blow, at a time when the England international is Eddie Howe’s makeshift striker due to Alexander Isak’s absence.
It puts the Magpies under even more pressure to sign a striker this week, with the transfer window due to close on 1st September.