The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The year of Van Dijk
A year ago Liverpool had just conceded three goals in five minutes during a thrilling 3-3 draw at Arsenal that encapsulated the strengths and flaws of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Five days later Virgil van Dijk was signed for a world record £75 million ($94.5 million) and the days of defensive lapses undermining a title challenge appear gone. In 18 games, Liverpool have conceded just seven goals.
The giant Dutchman scored just his second goal for the club in a 2-0 win at Wolves on Friday night, but it was another commanding display at the back that won him man-of-the-match.
Chelsea fail to respond
For the third time in six matches, Chelsea paid the price for a lack of focus and cutting edge as they crashed to a surprise 1-0 defeat against Leicester.
Sarri questioned his players’ “mental strength” and admitted he had no explanation for their “confusion” after Jamie Vardy put Leicester ahead in the 51st minute.
“Yes it concerns me,” said Sarri. “You can go 1-0 down, the important thing is how you are able to react.”
Aubameyang’s fast start
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has gone slightly under the radar since joining Arsenal in January, seeing the headlines grabbed by striking rivals Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero.
But two goals against Burnley on Saturday upped his tally to 12 in the Premier League this season — one clear of Liverpool’s in-form Salah, and Kane.
Even more impressively, Aubameyang’s 22 goals in his 31 Premier League appearances for Arsenal mean he has scored five more than any other player for the club at the same stage. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is next on 17.
