Virgil van Dijk claims 'full responsibility' for Arsenal blunder

Virgil van Dijk has taken 'full responsibility' after a mix-up between the Dutchman and Alisson Becker gifted Arsenal a crucial second in Liverpool's 3-1 defeat at the Emirates.

Van Dijk failed to deal with a bouncing ball before seeing Alisson storm in and miss his kick, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to roll the ball into an open net.

After Luis Diaz had cancelled out Bukayo Saka's opener, the goal proved pivotal in flipping momentum back in Arsenal's favour, with Leandro Trossard's injury time finish sealing the points for the Gunners.

Coming to his goalkeeper's defence, Reds captain Van Dijk holds his hands up for the error.

"A tough day," he told Sky Sports. "I think the 2-1 [Martinelli's goal] I take full responsibility for that.

"That is a big moment in the game. I should have made a better decision - it hurts for me.

"Like I said that was a big turning point in the game. After the break we were so good and had opportunities and were dominant, the atmosphere started to come nervous.

"The turning point is my responsibility, I should try to clear it. Obviously these things don't happen too often in my career, but I will recover from this. It is a physical game and I am not looking for excuses. At the highest level it is a split decision.

"Alisson touched me a little bit and he couldn't clear it, but I take full responsibility for this and I will try to make sure this doesn't happen again."

After producing such an impressive performance in their last trip to North London just a month ago - picking up a 2-0 win in the FA Cup - Sunday's display reflects a massive drop off from the Reds, with Arsenal putting out a statement performance in the title race.

Van Dijk has pledged for his side to bounce back from what was arguably their worst outing of the season.

"You play here obviously for every team in the league it is a tough place to go to," he added.

"In the FA Cup we was under a lot under pressure, but we found a way.

"It hurts losing. The way we did it today and in so many ways it was unnecessary.

"It hurts for me and seeing the fans coming all the way down and the whole club it is not nice to be involved in mistakes, but I will work hard and be back."