On Saturday afternoon, Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool clashed at Goodison Park, in what turned out to be a derby that had everything. The game finished 2-2, which on paper was not a terrible result for either team.
However, the reigning champions experienced what could be a season-defining incident in the opening ten minutes. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford rushed out of his goal and recklessly caught Reds centre-back Virgil van Dijk in the penalty area.
The tackle was a poor one and many expected action against the England number one, but referee Michael Oliver or the VAR for the day David Coote never saw fit to take further action.
The fact that Van Dijk was offside spared Pickford from conceding a penalty kick, but many feel the tackle should have been met with further punishment.
The incident was at 1-0 to Liverpool and arguably changed the course of the game. One of the main reasons was that Van Dijk limped off injured. The Dutchman has been Liverpool’s leader at the heart of the defence in recent years, establishing himself as one of the best players in his position in the world.
The diagnosis for his injury has not been positive, as it has now been confirmed that he has suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage and will require surgery.
The injury could realistically keep Van Dijk sidelined for the remainder of the Premier League campaign. Arguably, the injury could not have happened to a bigger player for Liverpool.
The Reds already started the new league campaign in poor defensive form. In fact, Jurgen Klopp’s team have conceded the joint-most goals of any team in the English top-flight alongside strugglers West Brom this season.
The injury to Van Dijk is an even bigger blow to their defensive and title prospects. It will be highly difficult for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to replace the former Southampton star. His injury may prove pivotal in the race for this season’s Premier League title.