"Flawless that entire game", "Could've won this game on his own" - Fans laud Liverpool star's showing in Manchester City win

Fans hailed Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk's performance in the 2-0 Premier League home win over holders Manchester City on Sunday (December 1). The win took Arne Slot's runaway leaders nine points clear at the top after 13 games.

Cody Gakpo got the ball rolling at Anfield inside 12 minutes before Mohamed Salah doubled his team's lead from the spot 12 minutes from time. Van Dijk also played a key role in the win, expertly marshalling his troops at the back to keep Pep Guardiola's stuttering side at bay.

Dishing out a defensive masterclass, the 33-year-old Dutchman made an impressive seven clearances, two blocked shots and three interceptions. He also won one of three ground tackles and three of four aerial duels (stats as per Sofascore at the time of writing).

Fans lavished praise on the Reds captain, with one tweeting:

"Van Dijk was flawless that entire game he's so fu**ing good"

Another chimed in:

"Van Dijk has been unbelievable this season."

Other fans also showered high praise on Van Dijk, with one posting:

"Just give Van Dijk the Ballon d'Or already"

Another tweeted:

"Vana Dijk could have won this game on his own"

One posted:

"Van Dijk is so good man. Always so composed, rarely puts a foot wrong. Idk how people rate Saliba over him."

Another waxed lyrical of the Dutchman on X:

"Virgil van Dijk is up there with the greatest of all time in the prem."

The defeat marked Guardiola's side's seventh straight winless outing across competitions, losing six, including four in the league, a first in the legendary Guardiola's illustrious managerial resume.

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"There are many things to fight for" - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola bullish despite Liverpool defeat

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola

Liverpool continued their dream start to life under new boss Arne Slot, beating reigning UEFA Champions League holders Real Madrid and Premier League champions Manchester City within a few days. The swashbuckling Reds have now won 18 of their 20 games across competitions this season.

Meanwhile, City boss Guadiola is navigating the worst spell of his managerial career, one very few saw coming after their bright start to the season. However, things have gone horribly south, as the Cityzens fell to fifth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool at the one-third point of the season.

"I said before this game that we weren't in a position to think about targets, but the season is long," Guardiola reflected after the Anfield defeat (as per the BBC).

Refusing to throw in the towel, he continued:

"We have to think about making results, and then some players will come back, and then we'll be better, and we'll believe maybe. There are many things to fight for, and we're going to try."

Manchester City next take on Nottingham Forest at home in the Premier League on Wednesday (December 4), while Liverpool take on Newcastle United away on the same day.