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Virgil van Dijk Blames ‘the Wind’ After Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool
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
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
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?????”
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.
Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign new players in the summer transfer window, as Fabrizio Romano claims that talks have been initiated for one fresh transfer target.
The Red Devils are working at pace to give Michael Carrick the best chance of succeeding next season, with a return to the Champions League on the cards, following an impressive second half of the campaign.
There are clear areas for improvement, with the midfield identified as the one position that needs the most work over the course of the next few months of the transfer window.
However, there is also consideration being made for an attacking addition, who could bring even more firepower to the squad, following a season filled with goals from last summer’s new signings.
Plenty of options could be on the cards, but the one who appears to be of most interest to Man United is West Ham star Crysencio Summerville.
Man United Open Talks For Crysencio Summerville
Man United have been linked with a move for Crysencio Summerville, who appears to be available this summer following West Ham’s relegation to the Championship.
Reports have claimed that a £50 million price tag has been slapped on the Netherlands international for any suitors who want to land him in the coming weeks.
While Paris Saint-Germain have been in the picture, Fabrizio Romano claims that Man United have opened talks over a potential switch for Summerville, who has been described as “incredible“, as well as Mateus Fernandes in a potential double swoop from the Hammers.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “There are many clubs interested in Crysencio Summerville, scored at the World Cup with the Netherlands on the opening game, and Summerville is attracting interest from several clubs, so Manchester United are one of them, it’s true.
“So he’s one of the names being considered for the winger position. Appreciated by them, United are readying conversations with West Ham for Matues Fernandes. Don’t forget that.
“So there is talks underway about the midfielder, and so they also asked about the situation of Crysencio Summerville and the price of the player, so there is interest.
“Then also Paris Saint-Germain last week made a call to understand the situation of Summerville. They could add one more winger to the squad in case Barcola leaves, it’s not sure yet, but it’s still a possibility to follow and watch.”
It means Man United could swiftly add the pair to their ranks heading into the busy part of the summer, with a lot of work still left to do.
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Summerville Deal Could Be Costly
Any deal for Summerville could cost Man United upwards of £50 million, a figure that may well seem a little costly for a player of his current stature.
While the winger has shown plenty of quality, which included a goal for the Netherlands on his World Cup debut this summer, there hasn’t always been that consistency in performances.
The 24-year-old picked up just five goals and four assists in the Premier League last season, as West Ham suffered relegation to the second tier.
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In part, his performances gave the side some hope of survival, but the lack of consistency in them also ended up with the Hammers falling just short when it really mattered.
While there could certainly be a deal there, especially for a player on the up, there may be some worries about such a strong transfer fee being attached.
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.
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Arsenal Ready Midfield Approach
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
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.
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
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
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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