Liverpool Captain Van Dijk: “We Created Chances but Didn’t Finish” | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Missed Opportunity at City Ground: Van Dijk Reflects on Forest Stalemate

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his disappointment as the Reds failed to secure a comeback victory at Nottingham Forest in Tuesday night’s enthralling Premier League encounter. Despite a spirited second-half performance and numerous chances created, Liverpool had to settle for a 1-1 draw, leaving fans and players alike frustrated.

Forest’s Early Strike and Liverpool’s Response

Nottingham Forest drew first blood in the opening eight minutes when Chris Wood found a pocket of space in the Liverpool defence and slotted a composed finish past Alisson Becker. It was a goal that left Arne Slot’s men chasing the game from the outset.

Photo: IMAGO

However, Liverpool, under Slot’s energetic tactical style, fought back relentlessly. The equaliser came midway through the second half when Diogo Jota met Kostas Tsimikas’s pinpoint corner with a powerful header from close range. With momentum on their side, the Reds pressed for a winner, but Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels delivered a standout performance to keep the visitors at bay.

Van Dijk: ‘We Should Have Done Better’

After the match, Van Dijk shared his thoughts with Liverpoolfc.com, admitting his side should have taken all three points based on their second-half showing.

“Yeah, it should have been, especially based on the second-half performance. I think we created many chances, especially against a team that don’t concede many chances. But it’s football – should have been, could have been, it doesn’t work like that,” Van Dijk said.

He was quick to acknowledge Forest’s defensive efforts, saying, “They worked their socks off as well and that’s what they have been doing, so big credit to them too. But looking at my own team, I think we should have done better with finishing our opportunities.”

A Familiar Battle Against Forest’s Tactical Setup

Reflecting on the match, Van Dijk noted similarities to Liverpool’s earlier meeting with Forest at Anfield this season.

“Obviously [in] the game at Anfield they played with four central midfielders on one line in front of their defence. It’s a bit different, more hoping on the counter-attack, and that’s what they did very well,” Van Dijk explained.

He highlighted Forest’s attacking tweaks in this fixture, stating, “Today obviously they played their front four they have been doing throughout the whole season and been successful with as well. The game plan we had, we did it well, I think only the goal that we conceded you lose an important battle when you are open and obviously they punish you immediately. Apart from that I don’t think we gave much away, but we created many [chances] and we should have done better.”

Balancing Attack and Defence Remains Key

Liverpool’s tactical approach under Slot continues to evolve, but Van Dijk stressed the importance of balancing attacking ambition with defensive solidity.

“In the first half it shouldn’t be the case and I don’t think it was that much the case, that’s why I said we didn’t give chances away. Obviously we were 1-0 down and that’s the disappointing part, but apart from that we did outstanding,” he said.

Van Dijk added, “We always made sure our defence was in order and they couldn’t get into their strengths. Obviously at times they might come into a position they want to be, but it’s all about sprinting back and defending together. And I think that’s what we did. We tried everything we had, the only thing that was missing was the final finish to kill off the game.”

Impact from the Bench

Van Dijk also praised the contributions of Liverpool’s substitutes, particularly Jota and Tsimikas.

“[It’s important] from everyone but obviously it’s important for players that come on to make an immediate impact, and this was very immediate of course,” he said. “[Jota] came in with a lot of energy, a lot of drive and hunger and obviously he had opportunities to score also the winner. Kostas with an amazing corner to set him up. We need everyone in this race and we keep going.”

Liverpool remain in the hunt for a top-four finish, but games like this highlight the fine margins that can make or break a season. With plenty of fixtures ahead, Arne Slot and his side will know they must sharpen their finishing to avoid further dropped points.