Virgil van Dijk warns Liverpool a ‘big fight’ is looming this week | Football | Sport

Virgil van Dijk has called on Liverpool to brace themselves for a “big fight” as they prepare to face Premier League frontrunners Arsenal this Thursday. The Reds’ captain believes such high-stakes matches should invigorate the squad as they aim to stretch their unbeaten streak to 10 games this week.

The Reds were held to their second consecutive draw of 2026 on Sunday, when Fulham’s Harrison Reed scored a last-minute wonder goal to secure a 2-2 result at Craven Cottage. This came after Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time strike seemed to have clinched victory for the visitors.

Next in line for the reigning champions is Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who are currently leading the race for the title. They sit six points clear of Manchester City in second place and a staggering 14 points ahead of Arne Slot’s side, who are three points above Chelsea in the top four.

Reds’ leader Van Dijk insists that the team should approach the upcoming clash at the Emirates with a positive mindset, urging his teammates to gear up for the impending challenge.

Van Dijk said: “First of all, we will recover from this, but from Tuesday on, we will definitely look at the strength that they have. They have a fantastic squad with players on the pitch and also coming from the bench.

“Listen, we all know at home they are unbeaten this season, I think, in all competitions. So it is a nice challenge and we should be ready for a big fight.

“I’m really looking forward to it and I think everyone should. That is the only way to try and get a result over there. There is no reason to not look forward to it, in my opinion. Another opportunity, but first recover and then we’ll focus on that.”

Liverpool now sit three points ahead of manager-less Chelsea, who moved up to fifth following their own draw on Sunday. A late goal from Enzo Fernandez secured them a point against Manchester City.

Van Dijk believes the outcome at Fulham demonstrates the increasing competitiveness of the Premier League.

“It was a good second half,” Van Dijk added. “We did everything in our power to win the game, especially in the second half.

“Obviously it was difficult and it was always going to be difficult. The games that we have played here, it is always difficult. But it feels a bit disappointing that we conceded a worldie towards the end. That’s the reality.

“Is this the quality of the Premier League? I agree with that. Others might say other things, but every game is very difficult. I think they made it very difficult for a lot of teams already this season and I didn’t expect anything else today.

“The second half, we did well. We got back. There was much more urgency towards their box and then you concede in the last second. That’s disappointing.

“It is quite difficult if you analyse things, you mainly look at the negative things and it is difficult to see the positive things. We obviously have to see the positive things and take that into the next challenge that is waiting for us. That is how it is.

“If you look at the squad as well, Cody [Gakpo] had to do the job as a striker and we played with five midfielders behind him. So yeah, that is also the reality but nevertheless, we keep fighting, keep going, and onto Arsenal.”