Virgil van Dijk’s honest verdict on what it is like to play against Newcastle United

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Virgil van Dijk had a relatively straightforward evening as Liverpool beat Newcastle United.

The Reds extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table, with Liverpool winning 2-0 against Newcastle United.

Before the game, Van Dijk wanted Anfield to be ‘horrible’ for Newcastle. In truth, it did not really need to be.

The game never really boiled over or became a scrap. Liverpool always had the advantage over Newcastle, and there was a feeling that they could have played better if they had to.

Eddie Howe was frustrated with Newcastle, after changing his side’s tactic. Alexander Isak’s groin issue forced the Magpies to change their plans, as Howe set about making his side difficult to play against.

Virgil van Dijk makes ‘difficult’ Newcastle United admission

In the eyes of Van Dijk, Newcastle United were exactly that.

The Dutch defender spoke to Liverpool’s official website after the game, admitting that their second goal was a ‘killer’ for a Newcastle United side that are ‘difficult’ to play against.

“We were always trying to fight for the second goal,” he said.

“It’s a difficult team to play against, but I think the second goal was outstanding – great finish. Obviously that was a bit of a killer for them and I think after that we controlled the game in a very good way in possession.

“We let them run and find the spare man.”

Newcastle United must approach Carabao Cup final differently

Newcastle United were difficult to play against on Wednesday night. However, they were also passive in parts.

While the Magpies did their best to frustrate Liverpool, they never looked like scoring themselves. And by the time that the second goal arrived courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister, it was game over.

The two sides are set to meet again very soon, with 2025 Carabao Cup final scheduled for March 16th.

That will be a very different game, and Newcastle United will need to have a very different approach. It needs to be almost like a home game, with Eddie Howe’s side playing with intensity and feeding off the energy of the crowd.

Newcastle frustrated Liverpool, but on March 16th they need to be a nightmare. There needs to be more aggression and more pressing, as Howe aims to end the club’s incredible trophy drought.

That is going to be extremely difficult, as Howe’s woes against Liverpool continued on Wednesday night.