![\"Virgil](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_JS386776099.jpg\")
Virgil van Dijk wants Liverpool to start defending as well as Arsenal have been(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk gave a very honest assessment of Arsenal after the Reds’ 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night<\/p>\n
08:53, 05 Nov 2025Updated 08:53, 05 Nov 2025<\/p>\n
Virgil van Dijk wants Liverpool to start defending as well as Arsenal have been(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk<\/a> has pointed to Arsenal’s defensive record as the benchmark for success following his side’s victory over Real Madrid<\/a> in the Champions League<\/a>. Both Arsenal and Liverpool enjoyed wins in Europe on Tuesday evening, with Arsenal<\/a> securing a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Slavia Prague.<\/p>\n Mikel Arteta’s men claimed a routine win in the Czech Republic capital courtesy of a Mikel Merino double and a Bukayo Saka<\/a> spot-kick. At Anfield, Liverpool<\/a> claimed all three points with a 1-0 win over Real thanks to a second-half header from Alexis Mac Allister.<\/p>\n The result also represented a second successive clean sheet for Liverpool, whilst Arsenal have now recorded eight in a row of their own following their success in Prague.<\/p>\n Arsenal maintain a seven-point advantage over Liverpool in the Premier League<\/a> standings, as well as holding a six-point cushion over second-placed Manchester City<\/a>, reports football.london<\/a>.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Spanish media turn on Real Madrid with ruthless verdict after Liverpool loss<\/a>READ MORE: Arsenal injury latest as Mikel Arteta handed Viktor Gyokeres update amid Gabriel concern<\/a><\/p>\n Speaking following Liverpool’s victory over Real Madrid, Van Dijk admitted he views Arsenal’s defensive record as his side’s own target, revealing how the Reds dressing room genuinely regards their title challengers.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is the basis of success at the moment. I think that you can see that Arsenal are flying and that is down to clean sheets and not conceding chances,” said Van Dijk post-match in an interview with Amazon Prime Sport.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that\u2019s what we had as well and now what we are trying to do consistently – start with defending. We have the quality to hurt anyone in possession and on the break.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it starts with defending and today showed our hard work. Against Villa, we didn’t create too many open [play] chances, but we managed to find the win, and we have to keep going.<\/p>\n \u201cSunday [vs Manchester City] is going to be another difficult one and so we have to be ready for that as well.\u201d<\/p>\n This weekend marks the return of Premier League action, with the final round of fixtures before the November international break.<\/p>\n Arsenal are set to take on Sunderland<\/a> at the Stadium of Light this Saturday, while title contenders Liverpool and Manchester City will face off at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.<\/p>\n Join our new WhatsApp community<\/a> and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners.<\/p>\n If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a343<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n![\"Arsenal](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_SK-Slavia-Praha-v-Arsenal-FC-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-League-Phase-MD4.jpg\")
Arsenal were on top form again as they claimed another clean sheet in Prague(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1744106962_61_0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
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