Liverpool emerged from a tense 2-1 win over Tottenham with three points and bruises, as Virgil van Dijk explained that Xavi Simons’ reckless challenge caused pain but not resentment, while Alexander Isak’s goal and injury, plus two Spurs red cards, shaped a chaotic Premier League contest.
Van Dijk stressed that the result mattered more than the performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, admitting Liverpool struggled late on against nine players after Richarlison’s strike lifted the home crowd, yet the captain underlined that calmly collecting victories remains vital during what is viewed as a transitional spell.
The key flashpoint came midway through the first half when Simons caught Van Dijk with a late lunge down the back of the defender’s leg.
Referee John Brooks initially produced a yellow card, but a VAR review upgraded the punishment, leaving Tottenham reduced to ten players after the Dutch playmaker’s dismissal.
Despite the force of the foul, Van Dijk made clear that Simons’ challenge did not alter their relationship within the Netherlands squad. Van Dijk said: "I don't think there was any intention to hurt me, but obviously, he hurt me and then the referee and the VAR made the decision to send him off," the defendersaid, as quoted by ESPN. "I spoke to him. It's a chat that no-one needs to know. "
Before the dismissal, Liverpool had already seized control as Alexander Isak struck the opener, registering a second league goal for the club. Hugo Ekitike then doubled the advantage, putting Liverpool 2-0 ahead and seemingly clear, before Tottenham responded late through Richarlison to set up a nervous finish for the visitors.
The closing stages were frantic as Liverpool retreated under pressure, even with Spurs reduced to nine players following captain Cristian Romero’s red card. Van Dijk admitted the display lacked fluency at times but emphasised that securing the win was the primary objective, particularly given expectations surrounding a club of Liverpool’s stature.
Van Dijk reflected on Liverpool’s difficulty in regaining control once Tottenham scored and the atmosphere turned hostile. Van Dijk said: "When you concede a goal and their fans get behind them like they did, it's never easy to make the right decisions and find the right solutions," he added. "That's something we can improve, but I don't think it's worrying. It's a transition, and we need to keep getting better. Winning more, getting results, is always positive. Losing games, especially at a club like Liverpool, is always bad. For us, it's about staying calm, [and] taking each game as it comes. Today, we won. Now, we have a couple of days off. We will recover, and then we will focus on Wolves. It will be a tough game. I saw their game against Spurs. Wolves will make it difficult for us, and we have to be ready for that. First, we have Christmas. Being with your family and being healthy are the most important things in life. "
The match also produced a rare statistical note involving Dutch players in the Premier League. Simons became the first Netherlands international since 2001 to receive a red card for a foul on a compatriot in the competition, following Willem Korsten’s dismissal for a challenge on Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot in April that year.
2001 - Xavi Simons red card is the first time a Dutch player has been sent off for a foul on a compatriot (Virgil van Dijk) in the Premier League since April 2001, when Spurs' Willem Korsten was red carded after fouling Chelsea's Mario Melchiot. Double. #TOTLIV pic.twitter.com/N3X9MevpYWOptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 20, 2025
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Alexander Isak injury and Virgil van Dijk reaction
Isak’s contribution was short but decisive. The former Newcastle United forward converted clinically for Liverpool’s first goal but took a heavy blow from Micky van de Ven while scoring. Isak had to leave the pitch soon after, becoming only the second Liverpool player in Premier League history to come on, score, then be substituted.
The previous instance involved Yossi Benayoun against Manchester City in November 2009, underlining how unusual Isak’s situation was. Van Dijk also referred to the worrying scenes around Alex, who suffered a serious-looking problem, and urged patience before judging the scale of Isak’s issue after the Tottenham encounter.
Addressing the injuries, Van Dijk commented on how such setbacks affect a squad. Van Dijk said: "Injuries, unfortunately, are part of football," Van Dijk said of Isak.He scored a great goal. It's too soon after the game to know [the extent of it]. He will need to be assessed.We all saw how bad it looked with Alex, but hopefully it won't be too bad. "
With Wolves next on Liverpool’s schedule after the Christmas break, Van Dijk’s comments highlighted both relief at overcoming Tottenham and awareness of areas needing improvement. The captain’s measured stance on Simons’ tackle, Isak’s condition and the team’s defensive wobble reflected a focus on stability as the season continues.
