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Virgil van Dijk Blames ‘the Wind’ After Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool

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Losing 3-2 to Bournemouth in the dying embers of their Premier League encounter at the Vitality Stadium now means Liverpool‘s 13-match unbeaten streak has come to an end and the Anfield faithful have reacted to Virgil van Dijk‘s post-match excuse for the Cherries’ first goal, prompting some to claim he is trying to escape taking accountability.

In what was a nightmare encounter for Arne Slot‘s Reds, Evanilson opened the scoring during the first half after Van Dijk failed to deal with a bouncing ball and Alex Jimenez then doubled their lead seven minutes later.

Liverpool managed to draw proceedings level through Van Dijk’s deft header on the stroke of the half-time whistle and then Dominik Szoboszlai’s cute free-kick around the Bournemouth wall in the 80th minute. Amine Adli provided the finishing touch on the five-goal thriller, though, and the Liverpool captain has been drawn out for his ’embarrassing’ post-match take.

Strangely, Liverpool’s Van Dijk Blames Wind For Bournemouth’s First Goal in 3-2 Loss

van dijk

In truth, there were very few Liverpool players that could leave the south of England with their head held high. Florian Wirtz, in parts, looked to provide a spark to his side’s lacklustre frontline, while Hugo Ekitike and Rio Ngumoha looked bright when they were substituted on – but they were defensively poor from start to finish.

That was especially the case for Bournemouth’s opener inside 27 minutes. The ball, perfectly executed by Marco Senesi, bounced towards Van Dijk and Alex Scott, but the Dutchman struggled to deal with it and the Bournemouth midfielder squared the ball to Evanlison, who prodded home.

While speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Van Dijk – widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Premier League history – was asked to ‘make sense’ of the seven-minute period when Bournemouth opened the scoring before adding a second either side of the half-hour mark. Instead of taking accountability for his mishap, he blamed the windy conditions instead:

“Well, for the first goal, I think it was a difficult ball to judge due to the circumstances. The wind was very tricky, I think you saw it, especially when we played long balls on their side. It was very difficult to judge. To concede that one, it’s not an issue but I think we controlled the game quite well before that.”

When asked about Liverpool’s failure to kick the ball out of play, Van Dijk added: “We were with 10 men, you can argue that we have to kick the ball out. It’s not on Alisson. It’s easy to say he should have done this. It is a split second. We decided to keep the ball as we had possession, and unfortunately for us, we conceded. Losing never feels good, especially as a Liverpool player.”

Watch Van Dijk’s post-match take (1:20 onwards) below:

Van Dijk, who signed a new two-year deal in the summer amid concerns that he would up and leave Anfield, also claimed he was fouled for Bournemouth’s winner. He added: “What I felt on that pitch was that I was clearly blocked. The referee and the VAR don’t give it. We will have to accept it. I can stand here and say it should not be given, but it was. It is what it is.”

However, Jamie Redknapp – who was on Sky Sports punditry duty alongside Izzy Christiansen – argued that it was actually Curtis Jones who impeded his ability to defend Bournemouth’s long throw.

“He was blocked off, he was fouled, but it was by his own player. Curtis Jones. Virgil is in a decent position, but as it comes in, and it’s an incredible throw, he goes to attack it. As he goes to win it, Jones, he trips over him. Then it all becomes about Adli. He’s brilliant. He is the only one alive to the situation,” the midfielder-turned-pundit concluded.

Van Dijk Called Out For ‘Embarrassing’ Post-Match Take After 3-2 Loss to Bournemouth

Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot

Liverpool fans, annoyed at the fact that Manchester United could leapfrog them in the Premier League with a win against Arsenal, have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to draw out the ex-Celtic man. “Virgil, as much as I love you, this is an embarrassing, embarrassing take,” one member of the Anfield faithful said in response to their skipper’s post-match remarks as another added: “He won’t take responsibility because of pride. His defending for that first goal was lazy, and that’s not acceptable at this level.”

“PLEASE. WHAT DID I JUST READ. IS HE BLAMING THE WIND?????”

MixCollage-24-Jan-2026-07-37-PM-2030


Arne Slot Can’t Repeat Mistake With Liverpool Duo Who Were ‘Shocking’ vs Bournemouth

The Liverpool fans have not been afraid to call out the duo on social media.

“Shameless. He can’t take accountability,” another claimed. Van Dijk has been a pillar of Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp and now Slot, but there comes a time when all relevant parties should realise that he’s no longer up to scratch in the Premier League, a division renowned for his pace and physicality – two aspects of his game which he’s beginning to lack.

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Arsenal Eye Bournemouth Midfielder Alex Scott Transfer

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Arsenal are reportedly considering an approach to sign a new midfielder in the summer transfer window as they look to build Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The Gunners already have plenty of options in the middle of the park, but there is a chance some of them head through the exit door this summer.

Christian Norgaard was brought to the club from Brentford last season, but he struggled for game time, meaning there’s a chance he departs.

Arsenal also have more attacking options like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, but they don’t have a host of players capable of playing a little deeper.

Mikel Moreno is another option, but he’s often being utilised further forward and even in a centre-forward position.


Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League win against Atletico Madrid


Deal Agreed: Arsenal In Talks To Sign ‘Complete’ Midfielder

Mikel Arteta is on the lookout for a central midfielder this summer

Arsenal Ready Midfield Approach

Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta
via Reuters

According to a report from Talksport, Arsenal are considering making an approach to Bournemouth about a potential move to sign midfielder Alex Scott in the summer transfer window.

The Cherries are engaged in contract talks with the English star, and they do not want to sell him.

Bournemouth value him in the region of £80 million, and they are willing to include a big release clause if they do tie him down to a new contract.

Scott, described as ‘one of the best midfielders in the Premier League’, is yet to put pen to paper with the South Coast Club, which could make it an ideal time for Arsenal to make their move.

Scott has interest from a number of sides, while he’s also believed to be a Tottenham fan.

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Arsenal Need Forward Additions

Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli

Alongside a potential midfield signing, Arsenal need to bring in new forwards during the summer transfer window.

Specifically, Arsenal should be looking to bring in a new left-sided attacker, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard struggling to nail down a starting role.

The aforementioned duo often rotated in and out of the side, with neither player really hitting elite-level heights.

If Arsenal want to go one better in the Champions League next season, they need to sign a world-class left-winger, someone who specialises in that position. Eze has also been used in that role, but he’s more comfortable in the number 10 position.

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Mateus Fernandes Desperate to Join Man Utd After Direct Contact

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Manchester United have been boosted after it was confirmed that West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes really wants to join, with Fabrizio Romano issuing the latest update on the deal.

Man United have already secured the first puzzle piece of their midfield rebuild, with Ederson set to complete a move to Old Trafford after the World Cup after the Red Devils reached a full agreement with Atalanta and the player over a potential five-year contract.

Now, club chiefs have turned their attentions to bringing in a second midfielder to join the Brazilian at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, with Manuel Ugarte expected to follow Casemiro through the exit door this summer.

United need more quality and depth to support Kobbie Mainoo, and their recent focus has been on completing a deal for Fernandes following West Ham’s relegation to the Championship.

The 21-year-old is in demand among top clubs in Europe following his displays for the Hammers and Southampton across the past two seasons, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool some of the clubs who have shown an interest in the Portugal international.

Fernandes appears to have his next move clear in his head though.

Romano: Fernandes ‘Very Keen’ to Join Man United

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring Premier League goal against Sunderland via Reuters

Romano previously confirmed that ‘official’ talks have begun between United and the player’s representatives, including Jorge Mendes, over a summer switch, as they prepare to make a first offer for the 21-year-old.

It appears as though the Red Devils can rest easy on one part of the deal, with Fernandes said to be ‘very keen’ to make the move to Old Trafford, with separate reports stating that he is ‘desperate’ to link up with compatriot and United skipper Bruno Fernandes.

The main issue will be agreeing a fee with West Ham, who are in no mood to sell their prized asset even though they have just been relegated to England’s second tier, with £100m their ideal price for him.

Issuing the latest on a move via his YouTube channel in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Romano said:

“Manchester United are in direct contact with the player’s camp, and the player is very keen on a move to Manchester United. So, the discussions on player side are going well with the player and with his camp.

“Now it depends on the club-to-club. In this case, West Ham stopped at £85m valuation for Mateus Fernandes. Ideally, they wanted £100m, but the expectation is that they could close the deal around £85m, but not less than that.

“Manchester United’s initial discussion with those taking care of the deal is under £85m. Man United want to spend less than this. So, there is a conversation, there is a negotiation.”

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Man United Consider £120m Double Transfer Raid

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026) via Reuters

Fernandes isn’t the only West Ham player that United are considering making a move for this summer, with confirmed interest in winger Crysencio Summerville too.

The Netherlands international enjoyed a positive campaign at the London Stadium and then announced himself on the world scene with an impressive goal in his nation’s 2-2 draw with Japan in their opening 2026 World Cup group game.

The Telegraph claim that the Red Devils are considering making a £120m double move for the Irons duo, as they look to bolster two key positions on their summer wishlist.

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UFC Fighter Urged to ‘Wrap Up’ Career After Brutal Loss at the White House

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A much-loved UFC fighter has been urged to ‘wrap up’ his career after losing at the White House during UFC Freedom 250.

The landmark event on the South Lawn of the Washington DC property boasted a seven-fight card, with every bout ending inside the distance.

Justin Gaethje stunned Ilia Topuria in the main event to end a career-long wait to claim undisputed lightweight gold, delivering the Georgian-Spaniard his first career loss.

The UFC White House Card Saw Some Career-Defining Results

Alex Pereira Loses to Ciryl Gane Amber Searls via Imagn Images

Elsewhere, there was a devastating stoppage defeat for Brazilian superstar Alex Pereira, who fell short in his bid to become a three-weight world champion in his interim UFC heavyweight title fight with Ciryl Gane.

Despite the big setbacks they were dealt at the White House, both Topuria and Pereira are expected to be able to come back and be competitive at championship level again, though.

Ilia Topuria injured eye Credit: Zuffa LLC

However, other beaten fighters on the card have a lot more to think about following their losses.

Heavyweight veteran Derrick Lewis lost to rising star Josh Hokit in the second round of their clash at Freedom 250. The 41-year-old slugger has now lost two consecutive fights by stoppage and looked particularly ineffective against Hokit. Some have already called for ‘The Black Beast’ to consider his future after his defeat on Sunday.

‘Wrap It Up” – UFC Veteran Begged to Consider Retirement After Freedom 250

UFC Freedom 250 Evan Vucci via Imagn Images

For one losing fighter on the show, though, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen believes the end of the road has already arrived.

After his defeat at the hands of Mauricio Ruffy at the White House, former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler has now lost six of his last eight fights inside the Octagon.

Even more concerningly, he has lost three of his last four bouts inside the distance. At UFC Freedom 250 against Ruffy, Chandler looked particularly ineffective.

There were rumours leading into the card that Chandler may hang up his gloves if he lost the fight, although ‘Iron Mike’ has made no comment on his future in the aftermath of his defeat.

Sonnen, though, was quick to take to Twitter/X and advise Chandler to call time on his career.

“Great career. Let’s wrap it up,” begged Sonnen.

Chandler debuted in the UFC in January 2021, but has only won a single fight since his opening night victory over Dan Hooker. He was slated to fight Irish Superstar Conor McGregor in June 2024, before that fight fell apart due to injury.

Ever since, Chandler has insisted that he still believes that the McGregor fight could happen for him in the future. However, after such a poor run of form, it may be in his best interests to step away from the Octagon as Sonnen has suggested.

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