Van Dijk takes the blame as Arsenal end Liverpool's record bid
Virgil van Dijk held his hands up to an uncharacteristic error that cost Liverpool the chance to set a fresh Premier League record points tally as Arsenal originated from behind to beat the champions 2-1.
Just a third league defeat of the growing season for Jurgen Klopp's men means the Reds cannot now match Manchester City's record 100 points from two seasons ago.
Sadio Mane put Liverpool in front as the visitors dominated for the first thirty minutes at the empty Emirates.
But Van Dijk's slack pass allowed Alexandre Lacazette to equalise before Alisson Becker also produced a rare mistake to permit Lacazette to tee up Reiss Nelson for the winner right before half-time.
"The goals we give them as a present," said Van Dijk. "In the event that you supply the goals away like we did today, including myself, you get everything you deserve."
Liverpool have finally dropped points in four of their seven games because the Premier League's restart in comparison to just two ahead of the shutdown.
But Van Dijk said there was no shortage of motivation after clinching a first league title in 30 years.
"It's too simple to say that," he added. "If you watch the game, until I made the mistake there is nothing wrong. I take the blame for it I take it as a man and we move on."
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's mind were already centered on Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against his former side Manchester City as he left top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the bench among five changes from defeat in the north London derby to Spurs.
But victory kept the Gunners' likelihood of European football next season alive by moving up to ninth and within two points of seventh-placed Tottenham.
"To place a defeat away before a semi-final, it's an excellent medicine," said Arteta of his side bouncing back.
"To beat this team you understand how many good things you have to have. You have to have moments in the overall game where you take your chances, you have to defend in many occasions they way we did tonight, and you will need somewhat of luck and today we had all that."
Liverpool, in comparison, were at full strength bar the lack of injured captain Jordan Henderson and it showed for the first half an hour as the visitors' dominated.
Liverpool deservedly took the lead in the 20th minute with a slick move as Andy Robertson provided his 10th assist in the Premier League this season with a low cross that was met on the stretch by Mane.
However, Klopp blamed too little concentration after going ahead for two rare slack occasions that cost them the match.
"Twice (there was) massive lack of concentration," said the German. "We did a lot of things well nevertheless, you cannot win football games when you concede goals like these."
Lacazette pounced on just Van Dijk's second error resulting in a goal in 88 Premier League games since his £75 million move from Southampton in January 2018 to score his third goal in four games.
The signings of Van Dijk and Alisson transformed Liverpool's defensive record under Klopp, but the Brazilian then followed his centre-back's example by gifting away possession to Lacazette and the Frenchman's cross was dispatched by Nelson for his first Premier League goal.
Liverpool were camped in Arsenal's half for the next 45 minutes, but found no chance through to see the chance of surpassing City's centurions slip away.
