Virgil van Dijk evaluates whether Arsenal will push Liverpool 'all the way' this season

Virgil van Dijk expects Arsenal to be up there in the race for the Premier League title as they head into Christmas Day at the top of the table for the second season running. 

The two sides played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Anfield as Gabriel Magalhaes' early goal was canceled out by Mohamed Salah in the first half. Speaking after the game, Van Dijk said he was a bit disappointed Liverpool didn't manage to get all three points but admitted 1-1 was probably a fair reflection of the game.

He said (quotes via Liverpoolfc.com): "Disappointed but it was a big fight, a great game to be involved in. Arsenal is a very good team, of course, but I think we had opportunities to win the game and unfortunately we didn't. It was intense for both sides I think and we move on. One more point than we started [with], so that's obviously a positive.

When asked if Liverpool had better opportunities to win the game, Van Dijk seemingly agreed, pinpointing Trent Alexander-Arnold's miss late in the game as he smashed the crossbar from close range after being played through by Salah.

He continued: "I think it's difficult to analyse it at this point. But yeah, obviously the one where we hit the crossbar stands in my mind, so maybe. But anyway I think it was always going to be a very intense game and it showed.

"They're hoping for consistency as well and I think they've been doing it quite well since last year. We are doing it quite well this year and hopefully we can keep that going and let's see where we're at in February, March – that period – and then we can really push on hopefully."

Liverpool are just a point behind league leaders Arsenal and will look stay hot on their heels as they travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley on Boxing Day.