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"I take full responsibility" - Virgil van Dijk rues costly error vs Arsenal

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was disappointed following Liverpool's 2-1 defeat the Emirates but insisted the Reds are looking ahead to finish the season strongly.

Liverpool fell to just their third defeat this season as came from behind to cancel out Sadio Mane's opener and take all three points.

Van Dijk was at fault for the first goal, with his wayward pass between Alisson and being pounced upon by Alexandre Lacazette, who finished with confidence.

Despite Liverpool's dominance, the mistakes carried on as Alisson gifted the ball with a weak clearance. Lacazette latched on and found Reiss Nelson this time, with the youngster making it 2-1.

Speaking after the game, Van Dijk was in a sullen mood as he took "full responsibility" for his mistake leading to Arsenal's first goal.

"Obviously, the goals we gave them as a present. Until their first goal, it was totally us. We dominated. We put pressure on them. We game them two goals and then it's difficult to come back," he told Sky Sports.

"If you give away the goals like we did today, then you get what you deserve. If you look at the goals, it shouldn't happen. But until then there as nothing wrong.

"We pressed them and scored a fantastic goal. But sometimes, lapses of concentration happen."

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

When questioned whether already being champions is behind Liverpool's last few results, Van Dijk said: "It's so easy to say that and blame that.

"When you watch the game, you'll see until I made the mistake there was nothing wrong.

"I thought we could comfortably at one point, but I take the blame for it. I take it like a man. We move on.

"Of course, we want to win the game, especially if you see how we lost the game today. We will try to win the last two games and take a well-deserved break.

"But we shouldn't forget we've had a fantastic season already. It will be a dream come true [to lift the Premier League trophy]; being champions is already a dream come true.

"Obviously tonight was disappointing, especially what's in my head at the moment. Sometimes you're a hero and sometimes you're a villain.

"I made a mistake and I take full responsibility. Now we move on."

Liverpool's hopes of setting the record for most Premier League points in a season comes to an end, with a maximum of 99 now possible.

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