Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admitted that his teammate Ibrahima Konate was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card in a dramatic Merseyside derby against Everton.
Konate’s risky challenge on Everton striker Beto, while already carrying a yellow card, left the Toffees’ manager, Sean Dyche, furious. Van Dijk conceded that the decision not to send off Konate was a stroke of luck for Liverpool.
In Van Dijk’s words, “A bit of luck? Definitely. What can I say? He could have given it, he didn’t give it. A bit of luck for us. So what can I say? Nothing else.” He also praised Liverpool’s discipline in not contesting the referee’s decision.
With Everton reduced to 10 players after Ashley Young’s first-half dismissal, Liverpool ultimately triumphed 2-0 in the derby, with Mohamed Salah netting two late goals. The victory added to Liverpool’s momentum in the Premier League.
Next up for Liverpool is the Europa League clash against Toulouse at Anfield. This victory in the Merseyside derby further cements Liverpool’s position in the league and gives them confidence as they prepare for European competition.
