Perception can sometimes be as important as points.
for some, the scrap of the psychological battle before and after Liverpool's tumultuous tussle with Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday was almost as keenly fought as the action on the pitch.
Mikel Arteta unashamedly played the injury card repeatedly to help explain the failure of his side to post a significant early title statement
Arsenal fans - picking up the baton and running with a latest conspiracy theory against their team
The truth, of course, isn't quite so colourful. And as the dust settles, the chief take for Liverpool from the game was a further example of the resilience and ability to tough it out
After hard-fought wins at home to Chelsea last weekend and at RB Leipzig in the Champions League three days later, to twice come from behind at the Emirates continued an impressive return
while Virgil van Dijk - has dismissed suggestions the Arsenal clash would prove definitive in the title race, it did underline why Liverpool have no intention of easily surrendering their early-season momentum.
Van Dijk
"It was a well deserved point in the end,"
"It was a tough game for both sides. In the second half we were the better team. In the first half we started well, we did a little bit better but then they scored to make it 2-1 and they got momentum.
“The people who spoke about if you lose here, you lose the league, they actually have no clue in my opinion.
“The season is so long and there are so many twists and turns that can happen and will happen. We focus on the game ahead of us.
"Over the years I've mentioned that the team who sets a very good foundation before December and goes through December in the best way possible with no injuries and good results will have a good chance to finish on top of the league."
That business-like approach extended to Van Dijk's dismissal of discussion over Arsenal's apparent injury crisis.
Van Dijk said
"We can't keep speaking about their missing players and players coming out of the game,"
“That's part of football. We also were missing certain players."
there was similarly ffshort shrift for an incident early in the match when he reacted to Kai Havertz in a fashion that prompted some Arsenal observers to call for a red card.
Van Dijk
"It's a physical game,"
"These things happen. If you watch the battles that we have during the games it goes both ways. That's part and parcel of the game."
While Sunday was the first time Liverpool have conceded two goals in a game under Slot, they still boast the stingiest defence in the Premier League
Sunday saw Konate match his best-ever run of consecutive Premier League starts - eight
Van Dijk on Konate
"He is making big progress,"
"He is a fantastic player, so consistent now as well. He is getting the credit I think he deserves now.
"He is still looking after himself in the best way possible. He is growing as a leader and he is a fantastic partner to have next to me."
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