David Moyes states why West Ham were looking to keep the ball away from Virgil van Dijk on corners
West Ham manager David Moyes has stated that his team were looking to keep the ball away from Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk when they were attacking from a corner.
Liverpool defeated West Ham United 2-0 in the Premier League at the Olympic Stadium last night thanks to Mohamed Salah and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, as they both scored goals.
The victory ensured the Reds a 19-point lead at the top of the table, which means the club only need eight more victories to ensure a maiden Premier League title.
An area of Liverpool’s game which has played a part in the club developing such a huge lead is their ability to play on the counter-attack, especially from opposition corners.
One could argue that Liverpool are more dangerous than the opposition team that is attacking from a corner, despite the fact the Anfield club are defending their own goal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal came directly from a West Ham corner last night, as Van Dijk headed the ball away, which Moyes did admit was a concern before the match.
READ: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gives verdict on title
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 29: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool battles for possession with Robert Snodgrass of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on January 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
“We talked about not putting the ball near Van Dijk’s head because he heads the corners out,” Moyes said, as quoted by the Daily Mail. ‘That was probably the biggest thing.
“We really didn’t want to get the ball near Van Dijk and he was the one who headed it away and they break from it. That was disappointing.”
It is ridiculous how much of an attacking threat Liverpool are when it comes to defending opposition corners. One could argue that they are actually the team on the attack.
Van Dijk’s aerial presence plays a huge part in Liverpool being able to play like this, as Moyes alluded to.
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Source: anfieldhq.com
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