Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Arsenal, advancing to the fourth round of the FA Cup. Several absent players shared their thoughts on the match.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool captain, expressed his joy over the team’s win against Arsenal in the FA Cup, despite his absence. Due to illness, the 31-year-old defender was not part of the squad that visited the Emirates Stadium. Van Dijk was among several key players unavailable for the third-round clash against the Premier League contenders. Notably, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Mohamed Salah were also missing.
During the recent 4-2 victory over Newcastle United, Szoboszlai sustained a hamstring injury and had to be substituted. Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Friday about the extent of the Hungarian midfielder’s injury.
Meanwhile, Endo and Salah are currently away, representing their countries, Japan and Egypt, respectively, in the Asian Cup and African Cup of Nations tournaments.
Due to illness, Van Dijk was unavailable for the crucial match against Mikel Arteta’s team. This absence paved the way for Jarell Quansah to partner with Ibrahima Konate in Liverpool’s central defence.
Despite intense pressure from the Gunners, Liverpool defence managed to hold firm. The pivotal moment came ten minutes before the end when Jakub Kiwior inadvertently scored an own-goal. In stoppage time, Luis Diaz sealed Liverpool’s spot in the fourth round.
Van Dijk expressed his happiness with the team’s result on Instagram, even though he wasn’t playing. He shared on his story, “COME ON THE BOYS!! Let’s go!!!!!”
Meanwhile, Szoboszlai supported the team from his home. He posted a story just before Liverpool scored, saying, “Letsgo (sic) boys.”
Adrian, Liverpool third-choice goalkeeper, took a playful jab at Arsenal in his celebratory post. His jest might be related to his London connections, having previously played for West Ham United. He provocatively wrote, “NEXT!!,” and added hand gestures mimicking shock and laughter.
Linda Pizzuti, the spouse of Liverpool owner John Henry, expressed her joy on social media following Liverpool’s victory over Arsenal. She remarked, “Onto the 4th round. A busy schedule ahead for the Reds.”
Additionally, both Endo and Kostas Tsimikas used celebratory emojis when sharing Liverpool’s victory post on their individual profiles.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Player Ratings as Three Were Superb in the Emirates FA Cup Against Arsenal