Virgil van Dijk has explained how referee Chris Kavanagh “annoyed” him prior to Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City.

Before Liverpool dispatched City at Anfield on Sunday evening, Reds captain Virgil van Dijk was left peeved at official Kavanagh. The Dutchman explained that the coin toss to decide which team started at which end of the pitch happened without him being present – much to his dissatisfaction. The hosts were made to kick towards The Kop in the first half at their home ground after being turned around

He told Sky Sports: “I was annoyed by the fact that he [referee Kavanagh] started the toss without me. I was busy with my mascot and obviously took a little bit of time, but he started the coin toss quite quickly, so I was a little bit annoyed by that because I think, just wait.”

Coin toss drama aside, Liverpool are now nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table and 11 ahead of City. They are on course to dethrone the Citizens after Pep Guardiola’s team won the league a record four straight times. However, there is still a long way to go in the season.

Van Dijk’s Liverpool face a tough trip to Newcastle United on Wednesday in their next Premier League encounter before travelling to local rivals Everton next Saturday.

Liverpool were on the winning side against Manchester City on Sunday, but captain Virgil van Dijk was still left frustrated after claiming referee Chris Kavanagh started the coin toss early.

Van Dijk and his team-mates were utterly dominant against Pep Guardiola’s City. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah scored for the Reds, but they could have had more than two goals with better finishing.

The victory ensured Liverpool moved 11 points clear of the reigning champions, who end the weekend in ffith. Arne Slot’s league leaders are nine points clear of their closest challengers, with second-place Arsenal and third-place Chelsea level on points, goal difference and goals scored and only separated by alphabetical order.

Things didn’t start perfectly for the home side, with Van Dijk losing the toss. However, he suggested that was his only source of frustration after the win.

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“I was annoyed by the fact that he started the toss without me even acknowledging it,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports. “I was obviously busy with my mascot, Isaac, and obviously took a little bit of time, but he started the coin toss already quite quickly. So I was a little bit annoyed by that.”

The Dutch defender was reluctant to get too carried away with the big gap to City, but admitted the Reds are in a strong position. “Obviously, everyone wants to be in a position where they, in this case, have 11 points in front of the opponent today. But there’s so many twists and turns,” he added,

“Now we have some injuries as well to our team, unfortunately, and we have to deal with that as well. And, you know, it’s game by game and stay calm. But games like this, when you win it like this, it’s always a good feeling. And now we’re back to recovery and be ready for a very tough run away.”

Arne Slot’s team are nine points clear of second-place Arsenal ( Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was similarly reluctant to get ahead of himself. The Dutchman has led his team to 34 points from a possible 39 since taking over from Jurgen Klopp, but there are still 25 games to play.

“It is a good position to be in,” Slot told BBC Radio 5 Live. “You guys know better than me that Arsenal and City are able to win every game from now till the end [of the season].

“Chelsea are able to win every game. It makes the Premier League so interesting – there’s so many good teams. Last season there was a big difference in points between Arsenal and City and they were still able to come back.”

Arsenal held a six-point lead over City after 15 games last term, only for Pep Guardiola’s team to claim the title on the final day of the campaign. Liverpool could have an even bigger margin over second place at the same stage this term if they win their next two games, at Newcastle on Wednesday and at Everton on Saturday lunchtime.

The victory puts Liverpool nine points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League but Van Dijk says the Reds will not be thinking of anything but their next match, a tough away trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle on Wednesday evening. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Liverpool captain Van Dijk explains the reasons for his annoyance and denied claims Reds players would be celebrating their position at the summit of the table.

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He said: “It’s easy to say that (Man City were there for the taking) after the game. City are a fantastic team. Four times champions in a row. They have quality to punish any team.

“We were very solid defensively, offensively we did our part as well, created chances and could have scored more. Overall it’s been a great day but now we recover and be ready for another game Wednesday.

“I was annoyed by the fact that he started the toss without me. I was busy with my mascot and took a bit of time but he started the coin toss quite quickly. I was a little annoyed by that but look, good game, we won and we move on.
“We focus on the next one. it’s the only thing we can do. there’s no point at this stage to get ahead of ourselves. Everyone wants to be in this position but there are lots of twists and turns.

“We have some injuries as well, unfortunately. We have to deal with that as well. Game by game. Stay calm. When you win like this it’s a good feeling.”